iPhone Duo hands-on: Apple nailed it — and just put everyone else on notice

Apple's iPhone Duo has made a lasting impression with its seamless transition from phone to tablet and back again. The device's crease is almost imperceptible, and the software reacts intuitively based on the device's angle. While it is not as thin or light as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and costs $100 more, the refined software experience and overall polish make the iPhone Duo a compelling option.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began on October 16, with a release date of October 23. Starting at $1,999 for 256GB of storage, the device offers 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options for $2,199, $2,599, and $3,199 respectively. The main display is a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, while the outer display is a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR screen. Powered by the A20 Pro processor and featuring 12GB of RAM, the iPhone Duo is equipped with a 4,883 mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging.

The iPhone Duo's design boasts a 5.4-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch main screen with a nearly invisible crease. The device supports Apple Pencil input, and when watching movies, users won't see any black bars. The inner FaceTime camera is hidden when not in use, appearing only when needed. The iPhone Duo is IP68 rated, making it resistant to water and dust, and features a titanium frame with Ceramic Shield protection on both the front and back.

The iPhone Duo's camera setup includes two rear cameras: a 48MP wide and ultrawide lens. While it doesn't feature a telephoto lens, it does offer 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom. Additionally, the device offers innovative features such as Smart Take, which allows users to take pictures automatically when focusing is detected, and Duo Preview, which displays live previews on the outer display during image capture.

The iPhone Duo also allows for FaceTime calls with multiple participants, including those joining via the outer display.