Apple's New Folding Phone Launches With New Features and High Price

Apple has finally entered the folding smartphone market, but the new device arrives with a significant price tag and a few software quirks that may require patience from early adopters. The iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, marks a major shift in the company's product lineup. It is the first folding model from the tech giant, a category that has existed for seven years since Samsung introduced its initial foldable device. While Apple took a long time to develop the hardware, early assessments suggest the wait was worth it for the improved build quality.

The device features two screens, a smaller outer display and a larger inner one. This new shape has created challenges for software developers. Many third-party applications have not yet been optimized for the dual-screen layout. Users may see apps displayed as a narrow strip in the center with thick black bars on the sides. While some popular apps like Slack and Instagram have received updates, interface issues still persist. Apple has also moved navigation controls to the right side of the screen instead of the bottom center. Since the phone is currently back-ordered for several weeks, developers may have time to fix these issues before many customers receive their devices.

A notable design change is the removal of facial recognition. The iPhone Duo does not use Face ID. Instead, it relies on a fingerprint sensor located on the right side of the device. This is the first time a flagship iPhone has used Touch ID, though the technology remains on other Apple products like the iPhone SE and iPads. The decision is likely due to the thinness of the folding mechanism. Some users may miss the speed of facial authentication, while others may prefer the simplicity of a fingerprint scan. The Dynamic Island feature is still present, positioned near the top right corner around the selfie camera.

Accessories for the new phone may need adjustments. The device supports magnetic attachments, but its weight distribution can cause it to tip when unfolded in a car dock. Third-party manufacturers may need to create new holders with anti-rotation features. Magnetic wallets also present a challenge because the phone is shorter than standard models, causing the wallet to extend past the bottom edge. Apple has not yet provided an official solution for this gap.

Photography capabilities are a strong point of the new device. Users can take selfies using the high-quality rear cameras while viewing the image on the outer screen. A new control allows the full camera app to appear on the outer display, including all settings. This prevents accidental touches on the inner screen. There are also specific features for group photos and children, such as an animation mode that plays on the outer screen to keep a child's attention.

Multitasking has been updated for the wider inner display. Users can run two apps side by side by dragging them to either side of the screen. These app pairs can be locked and accessed from the recent apps menu, although they cannot be saved as a single icon on the home screen. This setup allows for more efficient use of the larger screen space.

Care is needed to protect the inner display. The screen has a matte texture that Apple describes as an integral part of the hardware. The company advises against using third-party screen protectors, as they may affect performance. If the finish is damaged, it can be replaced for a fee. A cracked inner display is a more expensive repair, costing nearly a thousand dollars without extended warranty coverage.

Several software improvements are planned for later this year. A future update will add a new reachability feature that shifts apps to the side instead of pulling them down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. This should make writing and drawing feel more natural on the textured screen. However, there is no built-in storage slot for the stylus on the phone itself.

The launch of the iPhone Duo represents a significant step for Apple in the mobile device market. While the hardware is well-received, the software ecosystem is still catching up. Buyers should be prepared for some initial adjustments, particularly with app compatibility and accessory compatibility. As developers update their applications and new software features roll out, the experience is expected to improve over the coming months.