ZDNET’s key takeaways
- I’m not a big fan of foldability in the first place.
- The iPhone Duo lacks the camera features I need.
- Apple’s first foldable is also too pricey for my wallet.
Apple has finally jumped into the foldable market with its new iPhone Duo. Demoed at the Apple event on Wednesday, the Duo starts as a standard phone when folded but transforms into a mini tablet when unfolded.
Also: Apple event 2026 live updates: The first foldable iPhone and more in real time
I can see the appeal of Apple’s first foldable to people who want a single device small enough to fit in their pocket yet large enough to immerse themselves in playing games, watching videos, and multitasking. But the Duo won’t be on my shopping list this year. Here are eight reasons why.
1. First-gen model
As a tech journalist, I’m always eager to check out the latest devices, especially first-generation models. But as a regular consumer who depends on my phone both personally and professionally, I want something with a healthy track record. I’m sure Apple put a lot of care and attention into making the Duo reliable, durable, and free of the usual flaws that affect foldables (Microsoft Surface Duo, I’m looking at you). But I’m still wary of using a first-gen model as my primary go-to iPhone.
Also: How to preorder the new iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and everything else Apple announced
2. Not sold on foldability
Foldability seems like an exciting feature and the next step for mobile phones. But it’s not something I need. That’s partly because I already have an arsenal of other Apple devices. When I’m at home or on a trip, I use my iPad Pro to watch a video or play a game; I use my iPad mini to read ebooks. When I’m out and about, my iPhone works just fine for the usual stuff — phone calls, email, texting, navigation, running apps, etc. I don’t need a big unfolded screen to accomplish all that.
3. Durability
Foldable phones have faced issues with screen creases. Yes, Apple seems to have solved that problem with a crease that appears virtually seamless. But a phone that you keep folding and unfolding is still likely to experience some wear. I’ll stick with a clean and completely seamless display.
Also: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro: Is Apple’s newest flagship really worth $100 more?
4. No telephoto camera
I’m an avid photographer and rely on my iPhone to capture photos of places I visit and things I see. The iPhone Pro and Pro Max come with three cameras — main, wide-angle, and telephoto. I depend on that telephoto lens to snap scenes from afar. The iPhone Duo has only two cameras — main and wide-angle. No telephoto lens? Sorry, that alone is pretty much a deal breaker for me.
5. No Pro camera controls
Continuing with the camera theme, the Duo lacks the professional camera controls found on the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. No variable aperture, no changeable shutter speed, and no built-in exposure histogram. As someone who loves to tinker with the camera adjustments to achieve the best picture, I’m anxious to try these new controls, which means a Pro model for me.
Also: iPhone Duo hands-on: The $2,000 foldable has some magical touches
6. Size
I typically grip my iPhone with one hand and use the other hand to tap, press, navigate, and type. I see a lot of people who use their two thumbs to write messages, emails, and more. I tend to rely on Apple’s QuickPath option to glide my finger from one key to the next. That would be difficult, if not impossible, to do with the Duo in open or unfolded mode. And that would defeat much of the purpose of using a foldable device in the first place.
7. No Face ID
I love Face ID on my iPhone. For me, it’s a quick and convenient way to sign in, authenticate purchases, and secure my device. The iPhone Duo has no Face ID, forcing you to use Touch ID instead. I get that Apple had to omit Face ID for technical reasons. But for me, it’s a step backward. And I would miss the facial recognition I so often depend on.
8. Price tag
My standard iPhone is an iPhone Pro with 512GB of storage. I plan to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro this year, which means I’ll have to pay $1,399 for the model I want. That’s pricey enough for a smartphone. To get that same variant with the iPhone Duo, I’d have to shell out $2,199. That’s an $800 difference that I simply can’t justify. Add the hefty price tag to all the other reasons I’ve given here, and the Duo simply isn’t the phone for me.
