Apple's $1,999 iPhone Duo dazzles with foldable screen but faces durability and usability concerns

Apple's debut foldable, the iPhone Duo priced at $1,999, showcases a 7.6-inch matte inner display and a refined hinge that allows multiple angles, garnering praise for its engineering and titanium chassis. Critics, however, point out a persistent crease, reduced color vibrancy, and a hefty 254-gram weight that makes the device feel bulky when folded. User anecdotes on Reddit reveal instances of the screen cracking precisely at the hinge, leading to store replacements.

While Apple’s native apps adapt well, many third-party applications display thick side bars and lack proper optimization, limiting the multitasking experience to a fixed 50-50 split without floating windows. The camera suite, though solid, does not match the capabilities of the iPhone 18 Pro, particularly in dim environments, and the battery life, though better than competing foldables, still trails Apple's top non-foldable phones. Overall, reviewers are split on whether the novel folding form justifies the compromises in size, software, and price.