I went to the Apple Store in Brisbane today to take a look at the iPhone Duo. I had read the reviews and watched the videos but was keen to see it for myself.
I didn’t go in with the intention of buying one. First, it’s insanely expensive – AUD3.5k (USD2.46k). Second, my iPhone 17 base model is perfectly good and only a year old. Third, I have an M4 iPad Pro with keyboard and pencil.
But after 15 minutes of playing around the conversation with he Apple retail assistant went like this:
Me: When is it available?
Apple staffer: January.
Me: Thanks, you just prevented the mother of all impulse buys.
The iPhone Duo really is impressive, like really impressive. The screen quality and brightness are outstanding, it feels solid, it sits in the palm of your hand (when open and closed), it’s not too heavy, the sound quality is more than good and the ‘two column’ app layout when open is cool. The way the screens evolve or transition is classy.
But what really struck me upon first sighting was that if you didn’t know it was a folding device, at first glance, you’d think it was a mini iPad Mini. There’s no noticeable crease or indent on the inside folding screen. That’s amazing.
I really liked the screen size when folded out. I think it is the perfect size for those who commute on trains, trams, buses and ferries. The screen felt really personal when I was watching a video.
There’s a quirk with the sound. The two speakers, from what I could gather are on the bottom of the bottom, because they have to be (otherwise if the speaker was on the far left when open, when folded the two speakers would be on top of each other). So, when folded out, the left and right separation isn’t as pronounced as it is on an iPad. It’s not a big deal but it is worth noting. And most people would use headphones, anyway.
I didn’t check out the cases but for the device with this much glass and at the price it is, you’d want solid protection on it together with Apple Care Plus Theft and Loss. I had a light play with the camera but it was hard to make judgements as the light in the Apple Store was now. But for 99 per cent of people, it will be just fine.
Will I get one “one day”, most likely. Could it replace my iPad (which I am writing on now)? Possibly. My MacBook Pro? No.
It will be fascinating to see how this device iterates in the years ahead. Most quality folding phones are in the ‘insane’ price bracket at present. Apple is not alone. The price will mitigate proliferation but I think the transition will be similar to what we saw from ‘candy bar’ phones and Blackberries to iPhones starting 20 years ago. I’d say within seven years or so, the majority of iPhones used will be foldable. And then that will spill over to iPads.
The future is foldable.
28 October 2026