Apple wants the iPhone Duo to be your alarm clock. Dont take the bait.

Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Duo device, announced during the Apple Event 2026, showcases impressive capabilities, such as side-by-side screen multitasking and hands-free video viewing. During the presentation, Craig Federighi highlighted how the Duo can gently wake users with a timed glow. However, the company's promotion of the device as a bedside clock has drawn criticism from health and wellness experts.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises keeping phones in another room and using a digital clock instead, as research suggests sleeping near a phone can negatively impact sleep quality. The temptation to scroll through social media or shop online can significantly reduce sleep duration, while mental stimulation from the phone can keep the brain active even after it's turned off.

Additionally, the constant notifications throughout the day can prime individuals to expect them at night, further diminishing sleep quality.

Apple's emphasis on the Duo as an alarm clock is unexpected, given the company's focus on health and wellness. The introduction of new Apple Watch health features, including a readiness feature that considers sleep patterns, might have influenced this decision. The popularity of alternative alarm clocks, like smart or screen-free options, may also be a factor.

Despite the concerns, sleeping without a phone in the bedroom doesn't seem as daunting as it may appear. A personal experience with this practice led to one of the best nights of sleep ever experienced, as well as a lasting change in behavior. The phone can be placed in another room, and a screen-free alarm clock can be used to wake up.

In case of emergencies, the phone can be set to do-not-disturb mode with a loud ringer for important calls. While it may seem like an annoying workaround, it is far superior to waking up and immediately reaching for one's phone, leading to a cascade of messages and distractions before even leaving the bed.