The $2,000 Duo: Who Is Apple’s First Folding iPhone Actually For?

Apple’s first swing in the foldables market, the iPhone Duo, has already made a huge splash before it’s even available to buy. The foldables segment has been overrun by Android devices, and all eyes have been patiently waiting for Apple to make its move. And the Duo’s design confirms the popularity of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 8 and Google’s original Pixel Fold: Shorter and wider seems to be the sweet spot, as opposed to the more traditional taller folding phone designs we see with something like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. But this is Apple we’re talking about, and the iPhone Duo is more than just an iOS version of the Galaxy Fold and Pixel Fold — it has a lot going for it. We had a lot of things to say about it during our hands-on with the device, and while personally, it seems like the best foldable I’ll never buy, it certainly will be delivered into the pockets of some discerning customers who want the Apple level of polish (or who can’t stand green message bubbles). So who needs the iPhone Duo? Who is it best suited to? We know that the latest iPhone 18 Pro Max is for photography enthusiasts and those who want the best battery ever in an iPhone, but the Duo doesn’t provide that. It’s an oddly-shaped but good-looking device that fills a new space in Apple’s lineup. Is the iPhone Duo actually for anyone in particular? There are a few crowds that are more likely to gravitate toward this foldable over others. Your grandparents likely aren’t going to run out and grab the Duo, but here’s who likely will. Read More: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo: Comparing Apple’s New Pro Phone Against Its First Foldable Early adopters, power users and professionals Apple/Screenshot by CNET There are likely plenty of Apple fans who have been waiting for its first foldable, but a lot of people also likely won’t pick up a first-generation device, preferring to wait until the second or third version so that Apple works out any kinks. (On the other hand, Apple has patiently waited and watched the foldable market, so its first swing might not feel like a first-generation foldable full of finicky foibles at all. It’s probably going to be great.) But there will be some early adopters and tech enthusiasts who won’t care and plan to get this phone anyway. Power users and those looking essentially for a foldable iPad Mini are going to love the iPhone Duo. You’ll likely be able to resize apps side by side, similar to how you would on any iPad, making it a dream for those who want an iPad experience with an iPhone form factor that fits right in your pocket. Still, we’ll need to see just how well multiple apps work on the inner screen simultaneously. It might not be as elegant as you’d get on an iPad, but it’s close. The other group that might really want to get their mitts on the Duo is the professional crowd. The larger inner screen makes way for easier work apps that would be more cumbersome than even the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Editing Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheets, Google and Word docs, checking emails and sending work chats will be a far smoother experience on the wider display. Throw in a wireless keyboard, and you might have a pocket iPad-like productivity suite of your dreams. Fashionistas Apple products are synonymous with style, and this is a crowd that will happily gravitate toward this phone. The new “it” item will be in the pockets of celebrities and content creators who want to make sure they’re seen with Apple’s newest device. It’s also an expensive phone, like all foldables, making it a status symbol that maintains the cool and pretentious vibe that Apple products give off. The sexiest Kindle replacement The iPhone Duo has a typical but useful foldable feature of showing a preview of what the rear cameras are shooting to help with selfies.Abrar Al-Heeti/CNET Avid readers may also want to pick up the iPhone Duo, since it’s virtually the perfect e-reader size. Not only that, but you’ll also get access to the App Store, which doesn’t limit you just to Amazon’s Kindle Store or e-reader apps. That type of flexibility on top of the power of iOS and the A20 Pro chip makes this a killer Kindle or e-reader replacement. While it is very expensive to replace a Kindle, its style, form and functionality would make it a worthy consideration for some people. If your priorities are camera features, battery life and durability, your first choice shouldn’t be the iPhone Duo. What you’re looking for is the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It checks all of those boxes, and you shouldn’t be swayed by the novelty of the Duo. It’s not that the Duo isn’t alluring, but it’s both nearly double the price of the latest iPhone 18 Pro handsets and likely significantly less durable. The iPhone Duo costs about as much as a new iPhone 18 Pro and an iPad combined. Like most foldables, the iPhone Duo doesn’t ship with issues, just compromises. That’s something that really needs to be considered when making your purchasing decision. This device is a marvel of engineering, wrapped in luxurious style, but 90% of people spending money on new phones are not going to buy this one.