
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
The Vergecast hosts David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and Allison Johnson discuss their comprehensive reviews of the new iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable device. The conversation explores the device's physical footprint, thepassport-style aspect ratio, the battery life trade-offs of keeping the screen open, and the realities of app optimization. They debate whether Apple should have adapted the iPad OS paradigm instead of building a new paradigm from scratch, examine the camera compromises on a two-thousand-dollar phone, and evaluate the quirks of Touch ID, cases, and multitasking.
Hosts introduce the episode and list sponsors before diving into the iPhone Duo discussion.
David Pierce welcomes Neelai Patel and Allison Johnson to discuss their experience with the new foldable phone.
Discussion centers on the usefulness of the outer screen, app optimization, and the challenges of using apps designed for a single‑screen phone.
The hosts debate whether Apple’s chosen passport‑size form factor feels right and how it compares to competitors like the Z Fold 8.
Reviewers uncover hidden settings for Touch ID delay and volume button orientation, and discuss the shift from Face ID to Touch ID on the Duo.
The team evaluates foldable phone cases, the problematic kickstand, and the overall ergonomics of holding a heavy, two‑screen device.
They examine the Duo’s matte inner screen, the visible crease, and compare it to other foldables’ glass displays.
Reviewers discuss the Duo’s camera specs, sensor quality, overheating during heavy use, and how it stacks against previous iPhone models.
The hosts consider who the Duo targets, the trade‑offs for upgrading from older iPhones, and the overall value proposition.
The hosts debate which camera pair—telephoto vs ultra‑wide—makes the most sense for the iPhone Duo’s dual‑camera setup.
Discussion of how Apple’s handoff feature works with the Duo, carrier limitations, and the extra cost of using two active iPhones.
The hosts discuss how existing iPhone apps behave on the Duo, the need for dual‑app support, and the potential for future developer optimizations.
Reviewing The Unpredictable iPhone Duoinsight
The hosts discuss how entering the review cycle for a brand-new form factor created intense uncertainty because reviewers had no baseline for how others would react.
Battery Life Penalty Of Open Usagedata
The guest explains that keeping the folding screen open constantly led to drastically worse battery life compared to other reviewers who primarily used the small outer display.
Not An iPhone Mini Replacementinsight
The hosts caution that fans of the iPhone Mini will be disappointed because the Duo is a heavy phone with a tiny outer screen, not a lightweight small-screen device.
Why Didn't Apple Use iPad OS?debate
The hosts debate why Apple chose to build a brand-new software paradigm rather than adapting the decade-old iPad app ecosystem to the new foldable.
The Terrible Folding Case Designstory
The hosts showcase an official folding case featuring an awkward elastic middle section and a kickstand that resembles an irritating accessory.
Bill Gates Spotted Using A Trifoldstory
The host shares an unexpected anecdote about interviewing Bill Gates, who casually pulled out a trifold device when asked about the Duo.
“It's the new revolutionary input mechanism for the iPod, the iPhone Duo.”
“I got drastically worse battery life than everyone else.”
“Where you open up the messages app, it pops up the keyboard and the, you know, the Chrome at the top,”
“Yeah, there's one text in view, and it's like, okay, this just isn't enough space.”
“The line I keep using is the Duo wants to be an iPad in exactly the same way the iPad wants to be a Mac.”
“Although again, I think the Z Fold 8 got much, much closer. Like it is, it is much closer to parity with other Samsung phones.”
“If you're going to pick two cameras, you do the normal one and the telephoto one, not the normal one and the ultra wide one.”
“I want to pair two apps. And for me, it's like, I want my email and my calendar next to each other and I want to be able to see them.”
“I think part of what I'm so struck by with this phone, and I've been fighting with both of you about whether we like it or not all week, is I, there is some sort of expectation that comes with it's an iPhone that Apple has just done over time.”
“I think we, we are, we are resolute on, if you are just a regular person who does not want to spend a lot of time thinking about their phone, don't buy this one.”
iPhone Duo reviews are out today and... it's complicated. David Pierce, Nilay Patel and senior smart phone reviewer Allison Johnson talk through The Verge's review and answer your questions LIVE. Further reading: The iPhone Duo is a messy, expensive, good time iPhone Duo review: messy, expensive fun Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed. We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to [email protected] or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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