Apple unveils foldable iPhone Duo — Verge staff share mixed first impressions

Apple has officially introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. The device features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display, two rear cameras, Touch ID for authentication, an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and various software adjustments designed to make iOS work better on a folding form factor. Preorders open on October 16th, with general availability starting October 23rd. The starting price for the 256GB model is $1,999.

Staff reactions vary widely

Writers and editors at The Verge shared their initial impressions of the new device, and opinions were notably mixed. Some praised the "Duo" name itself, pointing out that it reflects the phone's two screens and two rear cameras while fitting neatly alongside other Apple naming conventions like Air, Pro, and Max.

Others said the price tag, starting at $1,999, puts the device out of reach despite finding the form factor appealing, especially those who previously used an iPad Mini. Several staffers noted that Apple Pencil support could position the Duo as a potential replacement for the iPad Mini among digital artists.

Some expressed concern over the camera setup, since the foldable lacks the telephoto lens found on Apple's top-tier standard iPhones. Others highlighted the new 1.4:1 aspect ratio as a potentially significant shift for content creators, calling it a more practical ratio for portrait-oriented content.

Comparisons were also drawn to competitors, particularly Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which shares a similar size, shape, and simplified rear camera setup compared to Samsung's higher-end models. Staffers noted the Duo is priced only about $100 higher than the Fold 8, potentially leaving room for other Android makers like Xiaomi to target buyers seeking more advanced camera and battery features in a foldable.