Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin this Friday, with first units shipping October 23. The device marks the first foldable iPhone and the most radical change to the lineup in a while, starting at $1,999. Despite the price, the device comes with significant trade-offs prospective buyers should consider before purchasing.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the camera system. Like midrange iPhones, the Duo has two rear cameras and no dedicated telephoto lens. A 2x "optical-quality" zoom is available via digital crop of the main 48-megapixel sensor, but it lacks the quality of the iPhone 18 Pro's zoom lens. The front-facing camera also has a lower resolution at 12 megapixels compared to 18 megapixels on latest models. There is no variable aperture on the main lens. Unlocking relies on Touch ID on the side button instead of Face ID, and the Action Button is absent, limiting functionality to silencing or quick controls via Control Center.
App compatibility presents another consideration. iOS 27 has been optimized for the foldable form factor, but third-party apps like Netflix, Zoom and Slack require updates to fill the entire screen. Some may appear stretched or have black bars at launch. While popular apps will have day-one updates, most developers still have work to do. Buyers already in the Apple ecosystem will find the iPhone Duo a strong choice, but those open to alternatives should weigh the competition, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which offer different specifications at similar price points.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing