Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo earns mostly positive reviews

Apple has finally entered the folding phone market, and the first verdicts are in. Reviews of the iPhone Duo arrived on Wednesday, 21 October, once the embargo lifted. Most critics came away positive, though two complaints kept coming up: the lack of Face ID and a starting price of $1,999. In this Apple Duo review roundup, the reception is stronger than many expected for a first-generation device.

What Every Apple Duo Review Found

The first full reviews of Apple’s first foldable phone appeared after the embargo ended. AppleInsider’s roundup concluded that the device’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Customers who preordered will begin receiving their phones on Friday, 23 October.

The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer screen and opens like a book to reveal a 7.6-inch inner display. The titanium hinge has over a hundred pieces, and the processor is the same A20 Pro used in iPhone 18 Pro models.

Crease and Multitasking Praised

The Fold You Barely See

Foldable phones have long been judged on their crease, and reviewers agreed that this one is almost invisible. CNN said it is barely visible during normal use. Wired said the matte nano-texture finish cleverly hides it, and Man of Many reported that it vanishes entirely when viewed front-on.

Two Apps at Once

Running two apps side by side was another highlight. Wired said split-screen with optimised apps looks excellent, though it noted that Apple always forces a 50-50 split and does not allow a floating third app.

PCMag went further, saying the iPhone Duo has the best hardware, performance, and battery life of any foldable phone on the market. Praise like that matters in any Apple Duo review, because it comes from outlets that have tested many rival folding phones.

Face ID, Price, and Apps

A Touch ID Trade-Off

Apple has replaced Face ID with a Touch ID sensor in the side button. Man of Many called that a big hassle, because you have to touch the phone every time you want to unlock it. For a device that folds and unfolds throughout the day, many readers will want to think carefully about that change.

Weight, Camera, and Cost

Reviewers also pointed to the 254g weight and the missing telephoto camera. At 254g, the phone is on the heavier side, which may matter to anyone who holds their phone for long stretches. The phone costs $1,999 for 256GB and $3,199 for 2TB. At those prices, buyers are paying a premium for the folding design.

Apps Not Ready Yet

CNN’s Lisa Eadicicco said many popular apps, including Google Maps and Uber, had not yet been updated for the larger screen. She advised buyers to wait until developers have had more time to optimise their apps.

Software support often arrives gradually after a launch like this one. That advice is practical. A bigger display only helps if the software you use every day takes advantage of it.

Shipment Outlook

Tight Supply

Supply is currently very limited. Pickup stock for launch day sold out once preorders opened, and some delivery estimates have moved into late January. IDC expects Apple to ship about 7 million of the phones this year, roughly 3% of its total 2026 shipments. For shoppers, the practical lesson is to order early if you want one soon, because waiting could mean a delivery date well into the new year.

Memory Costs and Market Pressure

Taiwan-based Digitimes reported that price increases across Apple’s lineup will hurt fourth-quarter 2026 iPhone shipments, even with the foldable’s launch. Higher memory costs are driving those increases. Starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro are $100 above the iPhone 17 Pro’s, and Apple has reportedly agreed to pay 30% to 40% more for memory chips starting in early 2027.

Separately, Loop Capital downgraded Apple to Hold, pointing to iPhone shipment cuts and rising memory costs. So the iPhone Duo arrives at a moment when Apple faces cost pressure as well as high expectations.

The Verdict So Far

Men’s Health reviewer Brett Williams ended up won over but stayed unsure about the trade-off. In his words, it is a $2,000 smartphone, and it is not as straightforward as the more standard, less expensive options.

That mix of admiration and doubt sums up every early Apple Duo review. The hardware earns real praise, yet the price and the compromises keep the iPhone Duo from being an easy recommendation for everyone.

What This Means for Everyday Users

If you were already planning to spend around $2,000 on a phone, the early Apple Duo review verdicts are encouraging. The crease, performance, and battery life drew strong comments, and split-screen multitasking could suit people who work on their phones.

If you are less sure, consider how you use your phone. Check whether the apps you rely on have been updated for the larger screen, think about daily unlocking with Touch ID, and decide whether the missing telephoto camera matters to you. Start by comparing the iPhone Duo with a standard iPhone before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the iPhone Duo? 

Apple’s first foldable phone, with a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display.

2. How much does it cost? 

$1,999 for 256GB and $3,199 for 2TB.

3. When does it ship? 

Preorders begin arriving on Friday, 23 October, though some delivery estimates have slipped into late January.

4. What are the main complaints in each Apple Duo review? 

No Face ID, the $1,999 starting price, the 254g weight, the missing telephoto camera, and apps not yet optimised for the larger screen.

Conclusion

The Apple Duo review verdict is mostly positive, with the nearly invisible crease and strong performance leading the praise. Face ID, price, weight, and app support keep it from being flawless. Taken together, the reviews suggest that Apple’s first attempt is competitive on hardware, while the harder work of software support and pricing still lies ahead. For early adopters it looks promising, while others may prefer to wait.