---
title: "iPhone Duo Software Features vs Standard iPhone | Engadget"
description: "Via Engadget: The **iPhone Duo** has some tricks that no other iPhone can do. Apple finally has a foldable iPhone: the **iPhone Duo** is arriving in **Octobe..."
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### iPhone Duo Software Features vs Standard iPhone

Engadget • September 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET

[×](/mobi?tab=engadget)

The **iPhone Duo** has some tricks that no other iPhone can do. Apple finally has a foldable iPhone: the **iPhone Duo** is arriving in **October**, and it changes the shape of the device in a way we haven't seen before. But the fold is only part of the story, as Apple has built many features specifically for this form factor. It's still iOS underneath, but not the way you're used to.

The interface has been revamped to take advantage of the new screens: apps can run side by side and **Apple Pencil** now works on the iPhone. Perhaps the most notable change is in multitasking. While iOS has offered a way to keep multiple apps running since iOS 4, it's never been iPad-level multitasking. iPhone Duo is the first iPhone with iPad-inspired multitasking. It doesn't have the full Stage Manager with floating windows, but you can open two apps side by side on the inner screen.

The status bar also looks quite different. Instead of sitting at the top, it's now on the right side and features redesigned elements. Cellular signal, Wi-Fi and battery indicators are now grouped together to save screen space. That right side of the screen also holds the Dock and Dynamic Island.

The new device format also enables many fresh camera features exclusive to the iPhone Duo. **Smart Take** uses AI to take photos of you when you strike a pose. There's a "Kid Cue" mode that shows a **Snoopy** animation on the external screen so your kids will look at the camera while you take a photo. Of course, not everything is perfect. The iPhone Duo lacks many of the camera features found on the **iPhone 18 Pro**, such as the new variable-aperture lens and pro controls. But that's a fair trade-off for people who want to try out Apple's first foldable phone.

[Read original article](https://www.engadget.com/2261250/iphone-duo-vs-standard-software-differences/)

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