iPhone Duo buyers are returning their devices in increasing numbers, citing hardware weight, awkward sizing, and software limitations, according to reports.
Apple launched the folding device on October 23, 2026, aiming at the high-end mobile market.
The device measures 11.3 millimeters in thickness when closed, making it bulkier than standard 8 to 9-millimeter flagship smartphones and noticeably thicker than the competing Fold8, according to HVG. The scale stops at 254 grams for the iPhone Duo, outweighing the iPhone 18 Pro Max by 5 grams and exceeding the Fold8 by 53 grams, hvg.hu noted.
Defective supplier materials cause screen cracks
Durability test results vary widely across testing platforms. Most folding tests showed the device failing under 100 ezer openings, though CNET recorded over 415 ezer cycles using a mechanical testing robot, iPon reported.
Leakster Ice Universe reported that screen cracks are caused by a defective raw material used by a supplier rather than a fundamental flaw in the hinge construction, according to Telefonguru. Apple reportedly can identify affected serial numbers to replace units before damage occurs, though the company has not officially confirmed this supplier issue, Telefonguru stated.
Early buyers experienced popping and creaking sounds when opening or closing the phone, followed by horizontal bands of dead white pixels near the crease, Telefonguru reported. Despite these hardware concerns, the iPhone Duo retains an IP68 rating, and its hinge dust protection surpasses solutions found on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Telefonguru added.
Optimizing apps for the folding display remains incomplete
Apple announced that more than 100 ezer applications have been optimized for the folding display, but millions of apps in the App Store still lack proper layout updates, Techworld.hu reported. Major software such as the Microsoft Office suite, Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, YouTube, and Zoom support the format, but services like Google Maps experienced optimization delays, Techworld.hu stated.
Susan Prescott of developer relations, said that thousands of newly optimized applications arrive daily, according to Techworld.hu. Apple organized over 50 developer workshops across 19 cities involving more than 2,000 developers, Techworld.hu noted.
Inner screen offers high brightness and larger area
The iPhone Duo features an outer 5.4-inch display and an inner 7.6-inch folding screen, iPon reported. The inner panel provides 50 percent more surface area than the 6.9-inch screen of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, according to HVG.
Under bright sunlight, the inner screen reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and supports a 120Hz refresh rate alongside HDR10 and Dolby Vision, hvg.hu reported. When viewing 21:9 films, thick black letterbox bars appear above and below the video, resulting in a net usable screen area comparable to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, hvg.hu stated.
Hardware Performance and Connectivity
Powered by the A20 Pro chipset running iOS 27.2, the device handles intensive tasks smoothly while occasionally generating warmth on the right side under heavy loads, hvg.hu reported. The device supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6, while omitting physical SIM card support in favor of exclusive eSIM usage worldwide, hvg.hu noted.
A dual-battery setup with a total capacity of 4,883 mAh delivers a full day of usage, reaching a 50 percent charge in 20 minutes using a 45 to 60-watt charger, according to HVG.
Frequently Asked Questions About the iPhone Duo
What causes the reported screen cracks?
Leakster Ice Universe attributed the cracks to a defective raw material from a supplier rather than the hinge design itself, Telefonguru stated.
How many apps are optimized for the folding screen?
Apple announced that over 100 ezer apps are optimized for the display, though millions of App Store titles remain unadjusted, Techworld.hu reported.
What are the dimensions and weight of the device?
The iPhone Duo measures 11.3 millimeters thick when closed and weighs 254 grams, hvg.hu reported.
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