Which accessories actually fit the iPhone Duo?

If you own an iPhone Duo, you’ll want to keep it insured and protected. You may also be wondering which accessories actually fit the device.

Apple’s new foldable measures 164.6 x 117.8 x 5.2mm unfolded and 84.1 x 117.8 x 11.3mm folded, which differs significantly from traditional iPhones. Apple provides manufacturers with a wealth of dimensional drawings that illustrate why older installed accessories, especially cases, are not suitable.

Some accessories remain compatible. USB-C devices and most wireless chargers will still work, but mechanical car mounts, most lens accessories, many screen protectors and cases will be incompatible.

What is suitable? Apple’s online store has a curated collection of approved third-party accessories that you know will be compatible, but it’s expensive – even the company’s famous polishing cloth costs $9. But when considering purchasing new accessories, it’s important to look for solutions designed to match the unique design of the iPhone Duo, not only in size, but also in features.

The new dimensions provide an opportunity for manufacturers to try new approaches to accessories. For example, ESR’s vegan leather magnetic case protects the entire phone, including the hinge mechanism, and has a movable kickstand that doubles as a lens protector. Mous offers a thin aramid casing made using the same material used in body armor. Although it lacks hinge protection, it only adds 1.7mm to the Duo’s maximum thickness of 11.3mm. Spigen cases use the iPhone’s folding mechanism for support, while the Spigen Armor case offers much more robust protection.

Protection is not just about the frame. Even if they fit, traditional tempered glass protectors will crack when you close the phone. When purchasing a screen protector for the iPhone Duo, you should look for flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) protectors designed for the foldable device. Although less scratch resistant than glass, these films can withstand repeated bending and will not crack when closed.

Apple promises a future software update to allow the Apple Pencil USB-C to work with the iPhone Duo. Unlike the Pencil 2 or Pro, the USB-C model has its own independent charging and pairing function via USB-C. Support for the other models would have required the smartphone to host an additional high-power wireless charging coil capable of exchanging power externally, which would have added to the thickness, cost and weight of the device.

iPhone Duo supports MagSafe and 25-watt fast charging using the incoming magnetic wireless charging coils built into the rear panel of the device, below the camera. This means that existing MagSafe and Qi2 chargers should generally work. This also means that MagSafe accessories should work, but since they’re designed for the iPhone’s more traditional dimensions, you may find that they overlap the device when connected.

MagSafe batteries will charge your device, but because they’re designed to hang on a longer iPhone, they also hang off the edges of the frame. Accessory manufacturers must create new MagSafe wallets and batteries to fit the new design.

As for car mounts, MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic models should generally work with the iPhone Duo. Mechanical mounts may also be compatible, depending on whether their handles can fit the dimensions of the phone.