iPhone Duo Launch: Here’s What You Need to Know About Apple’s Foldable iPhone!

You flip open your phone, and suddenly you have a mini-tablet in your hands. You might have already found that idea interesting when Samsung introduced it, but now Apple has done it too. The iPhone Duo launch is the hot topic in the tech world this week, with comparisons to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and plenty of discussion about the price. We’ll break down exactly what was announced, how much the foldable iPhone costs, and whether you should make the switch or wait a bit longer.

In this blog, we discuss:

1. What exactly did Apple announce with the iPhone Duo?
2. How does the iPhone Duo compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 8?
3. How much does the iPhone Duo cost, and who is it intended for?
4. How do the software and cameras perform in everyday use?
5. Why is the foldable screen the most fragile part?
6. Should you switch to the iPhone Duo or have your current iPhone repaired?

What exactly did Apple announce with the iPhone Duo?

Apple has announced its first foldable iPhone, called the iPhone Duo, a phone that folds down to pocket size and unfolds into a tablet-like screen. According to iCulture, the date when you can order the device has now been announced. This marks the first time Apple has brought a foldable device to market, following years of rumors and comparisons to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.

It’s no coincidence that the announcement comes at a time when foldable phones are slowly becoming mainstream. With Samsung already on its eighth generation of the Fold, Apple needs to deliver a strong first product right out of the gate. That makes this launch especially interesting to follow, even if you don’t plan on making the switch right away.

How does the iPhone Duo compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 8?

Tech media immediately compares the iPhone Duo to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and that is not surprising: they are the two major foldable flagships of the moment. According to AndroidWorld, the two devices differ primarily in screen aspect ratio: Apple opts for a different ratio than Samsung, which makes the user experience noticeably different.

In an article about the aspect ratio, the tech site 9to5google notes that it is actually the wider Android foldables that seem to have struck a better balance in this regard. The fold line (the crease, or the line on the screen where the phone folds) and the camera are also cited as pain points that the iPhone Duo shares with existing Android foldables, according to hands-on videos of the device. In short: Apple hasn’t reinvented the foldable wheel; it’s solving the same challenges that Samsung has been grappling with for years.

How much does the iPhone Duo cost and who is it intended for?

The iPhone Duo is a premium device with a price tag that is significantly higher for most people than a regular iPhone. According to nu.nl, Apple is releasing a foldable iPhone that will simply be too expensive for most people. This makes the device particularly interesting for early adopters and people who multitask a lot on their phones.

Not sure if it’s worth the investment? First, check out how much a screen repair or battery replacement for your current iPhone costs at thephonelab.nl/prijzen. It’s often just a fraction of the price of a new foldable phone, and it will instantly give your current iPhone years of extra life.

What do the software and cameras mean for everyday use?

According to 9to5google, the iPhone Duo is really all about the software: how apps adapt to the foldable screen determines whether the experience feels smooth or choppy. An analysis of the software makes it clear that Apple has put a lot of effort into ensuring that apps scale seamlessly between the outer screen and the large inner screen.

Still, Apple is facing a problem it previously criticized in Android: not all apps are optimally suited for a foldable screen. 9to5google shows in a gallery that Apple previously joked about Android apps on foldables, even though the iPhone Duo has the same problem. The cameras are also noteworthy: according to iCulture, the cameras work indoors, outdoors, and in dual mode simultaneously, opening up new photography possibilities as soon as you unfold the screen.

Why is the folding screen the most fragile part?

A foldable screen consists of a flexible layer that must be able to open and close thousands of times without tearing, which makes it mechanically more fragile than a fixed glass screen. In addition, it features a soft plastic protective layer instead of glass. The inner screen of a foldable phone is the most fragile but also by far the most expensive component: repairs can sometimes cost as much as 800 to 900 euros for brands like Samsung. The Apple repair is expected to be even more expensive. Repairing the outer screen often costs over 200 euros, and you can find the exact prices per model at thephonelab.nl/prijzen.

That said, a cracked or scratched screen isn’t a reason to rush out and buy a new phone. The same rule applies to a foldable iPhone Duo or Galaxy Z Fold as it does to any phone: a repair is often much more cost-effective than a replacement. Here’s a quick summary of the most common screen issues with foldable phones:

• Scratches or a dent on the fold line (the crease) caused by dirt or sand
• A cracked inner screen after a fall with the device open
• Damage to the outer canopy, often caused by a crash onto a hard surface

Should you switch to the iPhone Duo or have your current iPhone repaired?

Switching to the iPhone Duo makes the most sense if you really need a larger screen for multitasking, reading, or working on the go. For most people, repairing their current iPhone is a much more financially attractive option, especially if the problem is limited to a cracked screen or a battery that’s seen better days. After all, isn’t that 2-year-old iPhone mostly an eyesore because of its worn-out battery? For just 5% of the list price of an iPhone Duo, you can have an original Apple battery installed in 60 minutes. That’s a great savings!

Still on the fence? Our specialist Wouter, who’s been repairing devices since 2016, sees every day how a new battery or screen repair can give an iPhone years of life. Still want to switch to the iPhone Duo? Sell your current iPhone instantly and hassle-free at thephonelab.nl/verkopen, and find the perfect case or screen protector for your new device right away in the ThePhoneLab shop.

About ThePhoneLab

For over ten years, ThePhoneLab has been repairing phones, tablets, and laptops every day throughout the Netherlands. Every repair starts with an honest diagnosis—no cure, no pay—and then you choose what works best for you: original parts or a more affordable alternative from our own brand, for every budget. Because repairing is almost always smarter than replacing—both for your wallet and for the planet. It’s no surprise that customers give us a 9.5 rating in tens of thousands of reviews.

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Photo source: Apple