Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, gets early hands-on review
An Engadget reviewer shared early impressions of Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo, set to go on sale October 23. The device features dual OLED screens, a titanium body and refined multitasking software.
Apple has unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which an Engadget journalist recently tested ahead of launch. The reviewer called it the company's most exciting new device in nearly a decade, dating back to the iPhone X in 2016.
Design and displays
The Duo features a 5.4-inch external OLED display alongside a larger 7.6-inch flexible OLED panel inside. Its titanium frame carries IP68 dust and water resistance. When closed, the device measures 11.3mm thick and weighs 254 grams, making it heavier and bulkier than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 (9.7mm and 201 grams). The interior screen uses a matte nano-texture coating that reduces reflections and helps disguise the crease along its center. The phone also supports Apple Pencil input on both displays.
Buttons and unlocking
The Duo includes a lock button with built-in TouchID, a dedicated camera control button, and a volume rocker positioned on top of the device. The phone can sense how far it's opened and supports both tent and tabletop modes, and it remains usable even when only partially unfolded.
Cameras and under-display sensor
On the back, the Duo has two cameras: a 48-megapixel main camera capable of 2x telephoto shots, plus a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The inner display hides an under-display camera for video calls that's barely visible when inactive.
Software and pricing
The reviewer particularly praised the software's multitasking capabilities, which offer several ways to run two apps side by side. The iPhone Duo is priced $100 less than the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra, but $100 more than the standard Z Fold 8. Pre-orders open October 16, with sales officially starting October 23.
