I Returned My iPhone Duo

After nearly two decades with iPhones, the writer was excited by the iPhone Duo’s foldable design and its promise of a phone that could open into a tablet. They enjoyed preparing their workout app, Personal Best, for its different positions, and found adapting the interface creatively rewarding. The large inner display, with its paper-like matte finish, made having a tablet on the London Underground appealing; closed, the phone was compact enough for a pocket. StandBy mode and the wide outer screen’s comfortable keyboard were other highlights. The device felt solid and fun, and briefly brought back the novelty of getting an iPhone for the first time.

After six days, however, the writer exchanged it for an iPhone 18 Pro Max, unwilling to accept compromises in a £2,000 phone. Touch ID felt less seamless than Face ID, especially when the unfolded device made the sensor’s location hard to anticipate. The outer screen seemed cramped, while the closed phone felt dense and tiring to hold. Many apps failed to use the larger display well, and the writer doubts ordinary developers will invest in the detailed adaptations the form requires; some iOS layouts also felt less natural on the Duo. They missed the Pro Max’s telephoto camera and disliked having to choose between quick one-handed use and unfolding the phone. The Duo may suit others - their partner loved it - but better software support and Face ID could make it appealing again.