Despite the excessive hardware leaks, the premiere of the iPhone Duo came with several very pleasant software surprises, including the opening animation and the upgraded StandBy mode. While slab phones, like the iPhone 18 Pro Max, won’t be able to ever get the unfolding animation, it appears the StandBy mode will make its way to them quite soon.
iPhone Duo’s StandBy mode to launch on slab iPhones with iOS 27.3
The refreshed StandBy mode feature that was exclusively available on the iPhone Duo will arrive on other iPhones with iOS 27.3. The change is part of the iOS 27.3 beta 1, which Apple launched today for all its devices that support iOS 27, according to a 9to5Mac report.
Initially introduced with iOS 17, StandBy mode allows iPhones to display different widgets while charging and placed horizontally. The feature got a significant upgrade for the iPhone Duo, adding redesigned clock faces, as well as the customizable colors and complications.
The updated StandBy mode also added support for Shared Albums to the Photos face, giving extra choices about the appearing images.
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iOS 27.3 will come with a long list of new features
StandBy mode got various customization options on the iPhone Duo. | Image by PhoneArena
The launch of the first developer beta of iOS 27.3 makes it clear that Apple is planning a significant update this time around. Among the new features is the redesigned Health app, which was part of some earlier beta releases, and it’s now back.
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Apple also started the beta testing of the Siri Recap and Live Rewind features for the Apple Watch, which caused a minor controversy when the Apple Watch Series 12 was announced in September. Siri AI is also getting support for four new languages and the ability to take actions in Calendar, Journal, Messages, Music, and more apps.
However, the highlight is most likely to be the extension of StandBy mode improvements to other devices. In his in-depth review of the iPhone Duo, my colleague Victor said this was one of his favorite features of the foldable.
iOS 27.3 should launch sometime in December
While Apple hasn’t announced the specific date when iOS 27.3 will launch, the release is expected in December. This matches the company’s initial promise to have the redesigned Apple Health app available in late 2026.
Just like iOS 27, the software will be available on the iPhone 11 and newer.
It’s a very Apple thing
I never used StandBy on my iPhone beyond showing it as a party trick, mostly because it seemed quite limited. With these changes, I might give it another try, but even if it doesn’t stick, I’m glad that Apple hasn’t abandoned its slab phones. After all, not everyone is buying a foldable this time around.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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