The iPhone Duo has tricks that no other iPhone can do.
Apple finally has a foldable iPhone: the iPhone Duo is coming in October, and it changes the shape of the device in ways never seen before. But the fold is only part of the story, as Apple has created many features specifically for this form factor. It’s still iOS underneath, but not like you’re used to.
The interface has been redesigned to take advantage of the new screens: applications can work side by side and the Apple Pencil now works on iPhone. If you opt for an iPhone Duo, you will be able to explore a set of software features that are not available on standard models.
Features you can only get on the iPhone Duo
Perhaps the most notable change concerns multitasking. Even though iOS has provided a way to run multiple apps since iOS 4, there was never any question of multitasking on the iPad level. The iPhone keeps recent apps suspended in the background so you can switch between them without losing your place, but there’s never really been a way to use two apps at the same time until now. The iPhone Duo is the first iPhone with multitasking inspired by the iPad. It doesn’t have the full Stage Manager with floating windows, but you can open two apps side by side on the inner screen.
The entire iOS interface has been optimized for the Duo. Small details, like keeping your home screen accessible on one side of the inner display while apps run on the other side, make a big difference. It’s easy to choose which two apps you want to run side by side, while some can also take advantage of the larger interior screen.
The status bar is also very different. Instead of sitting at the top, it now sits on the right side and features redesigned elements. Cellular signal, Wi-Fi, and battery indicators are now grouped together to save screen space. This right side of the screen also contains the Dock and Dynamic Island.
The device’s foldable form factor also introduces new ways to use the iPhone. Fold it in half and watch iOS take on a new shape, placing inputs (like the keyboard) on the bottom half while app content can shine on the top half. This is perfect for watching videos with your iPhone on the table. Hinge consideration keeps interactive elements away from the fold when it may be difficult to touch them. You can also put iPhone Duo in “tent” mode to turn it into a table clock: it even lights up the interior screen when an alarm goes off.
The camera also has some unique features
The new form factor of the device also allows for many new camera features exclusive to the iPhone Duo. Smart Take is one of the most interesting: it uses AI to take photos of you when you strike a pose. There’s no need to press a button or set a timer. You can also use the external screen as a live camera preview, which is perfect for filming yourself with the rear camera or helping someone pose for a photo.
There’s a “Kid Cue” mode that displays a Snoopy animation on the external screen so your kids look at the camera while you take a photo. This is similar to the “Made You Look” feature on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and newer models, which parents will definitely appreciate. And on FaceTime, you can view your front and rear cameras: Bringing others nearby into your call becomes much easier with video on the external display.
Of course, not everything is perfect. The iPhone Duo lacks many of the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera features, such as the new variable aperture lens and pro controls. But it’s a fair tradeoff for those who want to try Apple’s first foldable phone.
