Apple’s new iPhone Duo turns the interface on its head

Apple has unveiled its new iPhone Duo, a foldable smartphone that also introduces a radical change to its user interface. The iOS 27 operating system for the device adapts to the phone's unique form factor by altering the layout of key elements. Traditionally, the home screen dock and many controls have been positioned horizontally and at the bottom of the screen in previous iPhones, but now they are moved to the side.

This adjustment maximizes the screen space and places major controls closer to the user's thumb for easier access, especially given the phone's length when folded out. Interestingly, these controls maintain their position regardless of whether the phone is open or closed, ensuring consistency. Apple's CEO revealed that the company had to redesign every app's layout and reconsider fundamental iPhone design principles due to the new vertical UI.

For instance, the status bar, which typically displays Wi-Fi, cell signal, and battery life horizontally, has been transformed into a more compact graphic, consolidating these details into a single circle. This modification not only saves space but also offers a cleaner, more streamlined look. The folded screen can display two different home screens simultaneously or even two distinct apps.

For example, when using the Email app, the iPhone Duo can present both the inbox and messages side by side in full-screen mode. Furthermore, the iPhone Duo marks the first iPhone to support the Apple Pencil, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Apple's device lineup. Despite these changes, Apple maintains that the new system has been designed to feel natural and familiar to longtime iPhone users, ensuring that the transition is smooth and intuitive.