Latest iOS 27.3 Beta fixes a well-known iPhone Duo problem

The other day, Apple sent out the first beta update for iOS 27.3, and it included an important update for the foldable iPhone Duo. It was back in September when we told you that the iPhone Duo could pose a problem for its left-handed users.

One issue for southpaws concerns Touch ID. Because the TrueDepth hardware required for Face ID takes up too much internal space for a device with an ultra-thin design, Apple decided to go with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor instead of using facial recognition.

Additionally, with two displays (the external "cover screen" and the internal tablet-sized display), Apple had to be more practical. As a result, it integrated the Touch ID sensor with the side power button.

Some of the issues that left-handed iPhone Duo users are having

The problem with this setup is that it forces lefties holding the device in their stronger hand to stretch across the phone to unlock the device. This awkward stretch is also required when a left-handed Duo user needs to reach the app dock and navigation bars, all of which reside on the far right side of the display.

Some left-handed Duo users might be able to use Touch ID by registering their middle finger or index finger instead of their thumb. But holding the device in the left hand presents the user with another possible problem.

The "D" shape of the iPhone Duo means that when it is resting in the left palm, the sharp edge digs into the hand, causing discomfort and leaving a mark. Holding the phone in the right hand means that the rounded corner of the Duo is more comfortably placed against the base of the right thumb.
Apple has reportedly been working on a Reachability feature for its foldable iPhone similar to the one on the non-foldable iPhone models. On those units, the top half of the screen drops down in order to make the entire screen reachable one-handed with a thumb.

Now, the iPhone Duo will have a Reachability feature of its own. Instead of moving the top half of the screen lower, the Duo moves the screen sideways, with the outer edge moving closer to the user.

As noted, this feature arrives on your iPhone Duo once you install iOS 27.3 Beta 1. That means you have to be a member of the Apple Beta Software Program to get the feature now. Otherwise, as long as Apple decides to keep the feature, you'll have to wait for the stable iOS 27.3 release, which is expected to drop in the middle of next month.

Once you install the new Beta, the Reachability feature will be enabled by default. Some users have complained that it is too easy to trigger, similar to the horizontal Reachability on a regular iPhone.

The new iPhone Duo Reachability feature is enabled by default after iOS 27.3 is installed

Thus, while you might not need to change anything once you've installed iOS 27.3 Beta 1, you can turn the feature on or off if it is getting in your way by following these directions:

• On your iPhone Duo, open the Settings app and tap on Accessibility.
• In Accessibility, under the Physical and Motor heading, tap on "Touch."
• On the page, check the toggle switch for Reachability and if you want the feature, make sure it is on. If you want it off, make sure to disable it.

If you enable Reachability, with the Duo closed, swipe a short distance left on the left edge of the external screen in order to be able to reach the elements on the right side of the screen. Or, swipe right on the right edge to move content on the left side of the screen within reach.

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