A five-day vacation with Apple's iPhone Duo began as a test with a backup plan: the reviewer also packed an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Early frustrations included unfamiliar Touch ID gestures, occasional app issues and questions about the Duo's camera. By the end of the trip, however, the foldable had become the phone they preferred to use.
Everyday trade-offs
The Duo's compact shape proved practical to carry, and it withstood several accidental drops during the trip. Its smaller outer display meant more scrolling through messages, while some apps were not yet tailored to the device's layout. Google Maps remained usable, though Google Search occasionally froze during use.
Authentication was a more persistent adjustment. Without Face ID, unlocking and authorizing payments relied on Touch ID, which the reviewer found less convenient during busy moments. The camera also falls short of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's more advanced system, particularly for zoom and demanding photography. For everyday snapshots, though, the Duo's camera was considered adequate.
A different way to use a phone
The foldable's appeal came from more than its novelty. Its large inner display made watching shows and using two apps side by side feel natural, while the device's design encouraged the reviewer to unfold it with a specific purpose. The experience seemed to reduce reflexive scrolling and make phone use more deliberate.
As app developers adapt to the format, the Duo's software experience may become more consistent. Its reception also suggests that Apple's entry could bring foldable phones to a wider audience. Future models and app updates will help determine whether this form factor can combine flexibility with the ease of conventional smartphones.
