Is Price and Weight the Only Drawback? The Apple-Style 'Emotion' Embedded in Foldable Phones: Hands-on with the iPhone Duo

Apple's First Foldable Smartphone: iPhone Duo
UI and UX Stand Out by Leveraging Foldable Features
Design and Inner Display Offer Vivid Clarity
Weight and Price Are Key to Market Success

The iPhone Duo, unveiled by Apple at its event on September 9 (local time), has drawn significant attention from the market as its first foldable smartphone, as well as for its weight, price point, and distinctive customized user interface (UI). On the afternoon of the 18th in Seoul, I had the opportunity to experience the iPhone Duo ahead of its official launch.

Folded and unfolded views of the iPhone Duo. Apple

When I held the iPhone Duo, its passport-style design with a 4:3 aspect ratio fit comfortably in one hand when unfolded. However, its considerable weight of 254g gave it a solid feel. Unfolding the device reveals a 19.3 cm (7.6-inch) display reminiscent of a small tablet, such as the iPad mini. The border of the device is fashioned from glossy titanium, and the process of opening and closing the screen felt smooth. Thanks to the free-stop hinge, the screen can be propped open at any angle the user desires. The curved exterior results in a slightly asymmetrical left-right profile when closed, but it is not particularly bothersome.

The inner screen of the iPhone Duo incorporates 'nano-texture' technology, which reduces light reflection, making the crease almost invisible when the display is on. The crease is only noticeable when the screen is turned off, but since the inner display also supports always-on display (AOD) functionality, users will rarely be bothered by it.

The folding action of the screen on the home screen of the iPhone Duo. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

Folding the screen while sending a message on the iPhone Duo. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

While testing the device, the unique UI that leverages the foldable characteristics was especially noticeable. The iPhone Duo runs on Apple's latest mobile OS, iOS 27, adopting the signature "Liquid Glass" design language down to the finest details. When unfolding the screen from the closed position, an animation appears to make the outer display look as if it is becoming transparent to reveal the inner screen beneath, creating a sense of continuity. Even when switching from using an app on the external display to the internal display after unfolding, the work transitions seamlessly.

The system UI has also been redesigned to match the passport-style aspect ratio. Whereas previous iPhones positioned the status bar with the clock and network information at the top of the screen, the iPhone Duo now displays these elements in a circular shape on the right side. The dock bar, which allows quick access to frequently used apps, has also been moved from the bottom to the right. In the unfolded state, users can run two apps simultaneously, one on each side of the display, thanks to multitasking capabilities. When the device is half-folded and propped up, the screen can display a clock UI reminiscent of a desk clock.

Two apps being used simultaneously on an iPhone Duo. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

An iPhone Duo folded and stood up, being used like a desk clock. Apple

Optimized Foldable Usability... Weight and Price Are Key Factors for Success

The foldable features are also evident when watching videos. When viewing content on Apple TV or Netflix, folding the screen to a 90-degree angle allows the lower display to serve as a video controller. Users can watch videos on the fully unfolded, expansive screen or while partially folded as well. The iPhone Duo uses stereo speakers that employ spatial audio technology, which detects whether the device is being held horizontally or vertically and adjusts the audio direction accordingly, resulting in a natural listening experience.

Watching a Netflix video on an iPhone Duo with the screen split vertically. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

The camera also incorporates features for use in the folded state. Like competing products, the iPhone Duo can be partially folded and positioned upright like a stand, supporting the 'Smart Capture' function that automatically detects and takes a photo when users strike a pose in front of the camera. When taking a selfie, the external display can serve as a mirror. Additionally, the 'Eye Gaze' feature can display animations, such as Snoopy, on the external display to direct the attention of children towards the camera during a photo session.

The "Eye Gaze" feature on the iPhone Duo activates the camera and displays an animation on an external screen to guide users to look at the camera. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

The selfie camera used when the internal display is unfolded features an under-display camera (UDC). This camera remains hidden most of the time and only becomes visible as a black circle when the camera app is engaged. Upon close inspection of the UDC’s location within the display, a circular camera module can be seen.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will begin at 9 p.m. on October 16 in South Korea and other first-wave launch countries. On October 23, consumers in these initial launch markets worldwide will be able to purchase the device. The key factors for the iPhone Duo’s market appeal are likely to be its relatively heavy weight and higher price compared to competing products. The iPhone Duo is about 50g heavier than competing models that have been made lighter. The domestic price is KRW 3.3 million for the 256GB model, making it well over KRW 3 million.

The under-display camera (UDC) embedded in the internal screen of the iPhone Duo disappears after the camera is turned off. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.