TechnologyPublished: 15 November 2026 at 06:04
Got an iPhone Duo? Nine settings that make Apple's foldable easier to use
TechCrunch has rounded up nine settings that make Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo easier to live with. The device has no Face ID, so most tips cover Touch ID, controls and the camera.
Apple's new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has proven so popular that the company cannot keep it in stock. On November 14, technology site TechCrunch published recommendations for configuring the device to make everyday tasks easier, including unlocking it, navigating the interface and taking photos.
Touch ID instead of Face ID
The Duo does not support Face ID facial recognition, so users must once again press a fingerprint sensor on the side of the device to unlock it, authenticate in apps and use Apple Pay. The authors suggest:
- Register more fingerprints. The phone can be held in many ways, so several fingers may end up on the sensor. Fingerprints are added under Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
- Unlock with Apple Watch. If the watch is passcode-protected and nearby, it can unlock the phone.
- Rest Finger to Open. An accessibility feature that unlocks the device when a finger is simply rested on the sensor.
Easier everyday use
- Turn off fixed volume controls. By default, the volume buttons keep their function however the device is rotated; switching this off lets them reorient with the phone.
- Back Tap for screenshots. A double or triple tap on the back of the device can take a screenshot. The setting is under Accessibility > Touch.
- Reachability. Because the Duo is wide, like a passport, the far side of the screen is harder to reach. The feature lets users swipe from an edge to bring that side closer. It is on by default.
- Lock when folded. There is no dedicated setting, but a shortcut can be created in the Shortcuts app with an automation triggered when the device is closed.
Camera tricks
- Customize camera controls. In the Camera app, users can pick and arrange tools for quick access, such as flash or Live Photos. This feature is not exclusive to the Duo.
- Disable Smart Take flash. The feature takes group or solo shots without a timer when the device is propped on a stable surface. The flash blink at capture can be turned off under Settings > Camera > Flash During Capture.
