Editorials · Readers Voice

I get why everyone stopped talking about the iPhone Duo

Apple should have tried harder.

By · Senior News and Deals Writer
This article may contain personal views and opinion from the author.
iphone duo dealbreakers
Non-loyalists aren't impressed. | Image by Apple
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The iPhone Duo was all anyone could talk about when Apple unveiled it earlier this month. But once the initial hype faded, many realized it was just another foldable phone. In fact, its hazy display, wide body, and right-hand-biased layout put it at a disadvantage compared to other foldables.

Not that any of this will stop Apple loyalists when pre-orders open on October 16 ahead of the October 23 release.

Everyone else, however, has plenty of reasons to think twice before dropping $1,999.

What can it do that other foldables can't?


We asked readers who aren't planning to get the Duo to explain their decision. Of the 876 who responded, 433 (49%) cited price as the chief reason. Around 320 (37%) don't think it can do anything that their phones can't.

For 92 readers (11%), the matte screen is a dealbreaker, while just 31 (4%) feel the multitasking capabilities are not up to snuff.

What might hold you back from getting the Duo?
888 Votes

Practicality over temptation


Foldables have been around for eight years, but as with 5G, Apple is the only company capable of driving mainstream adoption.

Apple's grip on the premium market means people who didn't even think about buying a foldable before will jump on board without a second thought. 

For pragmatic buyers, the fact that Apple didn't shoot for the stars with the iPhone Duo means it's nothing special.

Radio silence



There's a lull in conversation around the iPhone Duo right now. That's not just an observation. Google Trends data confirms that search interest has plummeted.

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Part of that silence is down to timing. The iPhone 18 Pro was released just a week ago, and buyers and reviewers are busy putting it through its paces.

Also, the iPhone Duo is still nearly a month away from release, so potential buyers are likely just waiting it out.

Still, this drop-off in momentum can't be a good sign.

The second wave


Perhaps we will see chatter around the device pick up when it nears pre-order and launch. That will be another opportunity for Apple to captivate consumers it wasn't able to reel in the first time around.

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