iPhone Duo 24 Hours Later: Your Questions Answered
MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera got his iPhone Duo a day early, so he spent today answering some of the questions people are asking about the new device. On app optimization, some apps scale to fill the Duo's screen, and others have been updated for the actual Duo form factor with unique features for the different positions. Netflix has a special mode for a half-fold, for example. There are…
A day after the iPhone Duo hit the market, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera dove into the most pressing questions surrounding the device. App optimization presented mixed results, with some apps adjusting to the Duo's form factor and introducing new features tailored to its unique configurations. However, several apps remained unchanged, leading to noticeable black bars on the sides and a subpar user experience.
Multitasking proved useful, allowing users to view two apps simultaneously, whether it be watching a video while surfing the web. Yet, the iPhone Duo's camera fell short of the iPhone 18 Pro's capabilities, lacking a telephoto lens and featuring subpar under-display Face ID quality, making it less than ideal for professional video calls or photography.
A glaring omission was Face ID, replaced by Touch ID, which proved slower than its counterpart, especially considering Apple's design choice of incorporating a deliberate pause in the process. Unlocking via the Apple Watch offered a more seamless experience, bridging the gap with Face ID.
Durability-wise, the inner display proved robust, akin to an iPad's nano-texture surface. While fingerprints marred its appearance, the device's sturdy build provided reassurance against scratches or cracks. However, the undeniable trade-off was the iPhone Duo's weight and perceived bulkiness. Depending on hand size, one-handed use might be feasible, though left-handed users faced challenges due to the placement of the Touch ID button and on-screen navigation bars on the right.
Priced at $1,999 starting, the iPhone Duo's premium cost coupled with its compromises led to skepticism among potential buyers. As developers rushed to update major apps, a clearer picture of the Duo's overall usability would emerge. MacRumors promised a comprehensive review, urging readers to remain tuned for further insights.
Written by urgent.news from MacRumors's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
