Fastrack · Apple's First Foldable iPhone Duo Earns Mixed Reviews

Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, goes on sale October 23 starting at $1,999. Reviewers who tested it for about a week praise the hardware but note many apps lag behind.

5.4-inch outer screen unfolds into a 7.6-inch inner display.
254 grams and 11.3mm thick when closed.
Touch ID replaces Face ID; no telephoto lens or Action Button.
Inner screen uses a matte finish; reviewers say the crease is barely visible.

Why it matters: Apple rarely changes its iPhone formula, a business that brought in more than $200 billion last year. The Duo tests whether buyers will pay a premium for a foldable.

Many third-party apps still show black bars or floating windows.
$1,899 buys Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
The right-side dock may be harder to reach for left-handed users.

The story so far

2 steps · since Oct 20

Oct 20Apple's First Foldable iPhone Duo Earns Mixed ReviewsYou are here
Oct 21Apple's iPhone Duo Launches, Sells Out Within Hours17 sourcesLatest

How 9 sources split on this story

Source landscape

Factuality

High

Mixed

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Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right

Political Bias

Coverage by lean% of 9 sources

9 sources · 18 articles · 45% Left coverage

Where they split: Reviewers disagree on whether unoptimized apps are a serious drawback or a minor, temporary inconvenience.

Center coverage, 2 sources: The center frames it as a buyer's decision, weighing trade-offs, rival foldables, deals and software timing.

Engadget2diPhone Duo's Next-Gen Prototypes Are Trying To Cram In Face ID CNET2dApple’s iPhone Duo Should Get Reachability Accessibility in an Upcoming Update - CNET

Left coverage, 4 sources: The left sees an impressive device held back by apps that are not yet ready for it.

CNN3dIs the iPhone Duo worth $1,999? I used it for a week, and it’s complicated The Verge23hNo, the iPhone Duo isn’t a small phone Gizmodo22hYour iPhone Duo Is a Big Investment—Here’s How To Keep It Protected and Powered, Anywhere New York Magazine2dThe Pricey iPhone Duo Is Impressive But Not Perfect

Right coverage, 3 sources: The right focuses on the consumer test of whether the £1,999 phone is a breakthrough or a gimmick, with mostly favorable verdicts.

The Sun3diPhone Duo review: I secretly tested Apple’s first FOLDING phone – it’s a dream come true and gave me a big surprise Daily Mail3dIs the iPhone Duo a gimmick or is time to join the foldable revolution? SHIVALI BEST tests Apple's £2,000 device to find out if two screens are really better than one ZeroHedge3d"Polished But Rough": First Major Review Casts Doubt On Foldable iPhone Duo's Mass Adoption

What’s next: The Duo launches with iOS 27.1, a version built for its foldable design.

iOS 27.2 is expected soon; Apple released its release candidate October 19.
Pre-orders are sold out, with delays on new orders running into January.
How quickly will major apps like Google Maps, Gmail and Kindle be updated for the Duo?
Will demand hold once early buyers have been served at the $1,999 price?