Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo draws praise, scrutiny in early hands-on reviews

Apple's ↘ 0.26% first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is now in the hands of journalists for extended previews ahead of its October 23 launch, with pre-orders set to open on October 16. The device, unveiled at Apple's September 9 "Surprise and Shine" event, starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and represents the most radical redesign of the iPhone in nearly two decades.apple+1

Hands-On Impressions

A 50-minute hands-on session conducted in Seoul on September 18 by South Korean outlet Maeil Business Newspaper offered one of the most detailed previews yet. The reviewer highlighted the seamless "visual continuity" between the 7.6-inch inner display and the 5.4-inch outer screen, noting that video playback transitioned naturally between the two without interruption when folding or unfolding the device.mk

The nano-texture finish, designed to reduce glare, drew mixed reactions — comfortable on the eyes but giving the screen a matte quality that some may find less sharp. The titanium hinge felt solid with no looseness, and screen creasing was described as virtually imperceptible by touch. Apple's first under-display camera on an iPhone was largely invisible during video playback but slightly noticeable on white backgrounds.mk

iOS 27 introduces Split View multitasking to the iPhone for the first time, allowing two apps to run side by side on the unfolded display. A "Duo Preview" camera feature lets photo subjects see themselves on the outer screen while the photographer frames the shot. At 254 grams and 11.3mm thick when folded, the device is heavier and bulkier than the iPhone 18 Pro — limitations the reviewer flagged as challenges for the first generation.9to5mac+1

Rivals Respond

Samsung and Motorola ↘ 0.22% have seized on the iPhone Duo launch to promote their own foldable lineups. Samsung placed "Welcome to Foldables" ads in Seoul, Tokyo, and London ahead of the September 9 event and later posted "Let us know when you're done reheating our leftovers" on social media. Motorola released a video featuring its Razr devices with the tagline: "New in their hands. Iconic in ours".business-standard

According to Counterpoint Research estimates cited by Business Standard, Samsung is expected to hold 38 percent of global foldable shipments in 2026, while Apple could capture 25 percent despite entering the category only this year.business-standard

The Price Question

At $1,999 in the United States and 3.29 million won in South Korea, the iPhone Duo sits well above Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8. Apple has confirmed Apple Pencil support will arrive later this year, a move that could help justify the premium by positioning the device as a partial iPad replacement. Pre-orders open October 16, with the phone available in star white and night sky on October 23.macrumors+4