100,000 iPhone Duo apps is a start, but there's a long way to go

Apple has announced that over 100,000 apps have been developed for the iPhone Duo, but the full potential of the foldable device remains untapped. While the 100,000 figure may seem impressive, it doesn't paint the complete picture. Many more apps are still in development, and some even fall into a middle ground where they don't utilize the iPhone Duo's features to their fullest.

The apps are divided into three categories: those that fully utilize the iPhone Duo's capabilities, those that are usable but not fully optimized, and those that only offer a subpar experience. App developers have had the tools to create iPhone Duo-compatible apps since the platform's launch, with the first Xcode 27.1 beta released in September 2026.

Apps built using this tool are the ones that fall into the top category, with independent developers and some big-name companies leading the way. However, many apps still rely on older SDKs and fail to take advantage of the iPhone Duo's unique features, such as adaptive vertical navigation bars and a redesigned status bar. Some notable apps, like the NHS app, the PlayStation and Xbox apps, and Football Manager 27, are among those that haven't been updated to fully support the iPhone Duo.

While developers have been given the tools to create iPhone Duo-compatible apps, the onus is on them to do so. Until developers prioritize optimizing their apps for the new platform, users may continue to experience a less-than-optimal experience when using their iPhone Duo.