{
  "id": 6478681,
  "title": "The iPhone Duo: Tradeoffs, but fewer than feared",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/the-iphone-duo-tradeoffs-but-fewer-than-feared",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-09T20:59:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Six Colors",
    "slug": "six-colors",
    "url": "https://sixcolors.com/post/2026/09/the-iphone-duo-tradeoffs-but-fewer-than-feared/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's annual events are highly anticipated occasions, filled with a flood of announcements that can be overwhelming and require time to process. This year's event did not disappoint, with the unveiling of new Pro iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and the long-awaited folding iPhone, formally known as the Duo. As the dust settles, it's clear that the Duo comes with trade-offs, but those trade-offs are not as severe as many had feared.\n\nOne major concession is the absence of Face ID, an expensive component that takes up valuable space inside the phone and screen, and would likely require two camera modules for the Duo's dual screens. While some may miss Face ID, especially in cold weather when gloves hinder biometric authentication, the Apple Watch can compensate for this loss. Furthermore, the Duo still features the ultrawide lens, which is beneficial for macro photography, and retains the 48MP main camera with first-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, albeit less advanced than the second-generation tech on the Pro models.\n\nAnother notable loss is the inclusion of advanced camera features like ProRes or ProRes RAW, and Apple's proprietary editing tools, which are absent in the Duo. The Duo also lacks several pro-oriented features such as spatial video and the Action Button, which was present in the Pro models. However, the Duo does have an Apple Camera Control button for easy camera access, a feature that some Pro users may appreciate.\n\nMagSafe, a popular feature, is included in the Duo, though it's worth noting that the Duo's MagSafe compatibility is somewhat limited, as it won't fit standard MagSafe cases or wallets. Additionally, the Duo lacks the advanced four-mic array found in the Pro models, which could be a disappointment for podcasters and audiophiles. Lastly, the Duo's folded thickness of 11.3mm makes it the thickest iPhone in 17 years, narrowly surpassing the 2009 iPhone 3GS, which had a thickness of 12.3mm.\n\nDespite these trade-offs, the Duo does offer some unique advantages. It's the thinnest iPhone ever when open, measuring just 5.2mm, a significant improvement over previous models. This sleek design sets the Duo apart from many other smartphones, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and compactness.",
  "summary": "Apple’s events are always a deluge of information, delivered by smooth-talking presenters who are probably trying to hypnotize you with their soothing hand motions. So it can take a little bit of time after watching the presentation to come back to reality, and sift through the details.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}