After spending a full day with the iPhone Duo, it’s clear this new device isn’t perfect—but it still delivers a surprisingly complete experience. Early concerns about sacrifices over features like FaceTime camera visibility, Touch ID, and app compatibility are valid, but they don’t overshadow what the Duo gets right.
The trade-offs you feel—and those you don’t
The Duo’s under-display FaceTime camera is less crisp than traditional visible cameras, especially in dim light, but in good lighting it performs decently. Touch ID is a change in habit—expect some awkward moments—but it’s manageable once you get used to it. Most reviewers feared a fragmented app experience, but in just a few days many more apps have been updated for Duo’s unique display quirks, showing that developers anticipated its arrival rather than lagged behind.
The external screen, though smaller and more limited in what it shows at a glance, feels much more than a novelty. The keyboard remains full-width, and the constrained background helps focus attention. For many tasks, it reduces distraction and makes some use cases surprisingly smoother than a taller, more sprawling display.
What’s still rough—and what could improve via software
Two major area for improvement stand out. First, navigation: the gesture to go back still only works from the left edge, even though many interactive elements and prompts are placed on the right side. The author admits they instinctively tried swiping back from the right several times. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does jar given how much thought seems to have gone into the rest of the design.
Second, security unlock options. The Duo supports unlocking via Apple Watch, which helps with using the phone without Face ID, but it introduces a security trade-off. Because watch-based unlock allows someone else to unlock the phone easily, there’s suggestion that a lightweight facial recognition mode alongside the Watch unlock would be a safer alternative.
The official folio case, priced at $129, draws criticism. Its built-in kickstand feels flimsy, and the front flap interferes with camera use on the outside screen since it can’t be reversed behind the phone without blocking the lens. Alternatives from third-party makers might offer more practical solutions.
Despite these caveats, the overall verdict is enthusiastic. The Duo feels like a polished enough device to be used all day, and has drawn positive attention already in public settings. The form factor is compelling, and it’s not often a new Apple phone attracts spontaneous interest quite like this one.
What this means: The iPhone Duo isn’t flawless—no flagship is—but its compromises are mostly manageable, especially if you see this as a forward-looking device. The trade-offs seem intentional, and the uniqueness of the Duo is part of its appeal. If Apple irons out the navigation edge cases and refines accessory support, this could become not just an exciting option, but a strong contender in the future of foldable and dual-screen phones. Watching how third-party devs and Apple itself address these software and design quirks will make or break the Duo’s staying power.
