Technology1 min read

I Returned My iPhone Duo

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The device offered distinct advantages for programming dynamic poses, reading on a paper-like matte display, and utilizing desktop StandBy mode. However, the hardware suffered from an ergonomic downgrade, as finding the relocated Touch ID sensor became difficult when the unit was opened. In addition, third-party software failed to adapt smoothly to the inner canvas, leaving key social platforms poorly optimized. These physical and operational hurdles led to the decision to exchange the phone for an iPhone 18 Pro Max after six days.

Key points

  • Hardware versatility cannot fully compensate for poor third-party app scaling on oversize…: Hardware versatility cannot fully compensate for poor third-party app scaling on oversized foldable displays.
  • Premium smartphones risk alienating buyers when core convenience features like biometric…: Premium smartphones risk alienating buyers when core convenience features like biometric unlocking are perceived as functional downgrades.
  • Heavy and cramped outer displays create daily handling friction that drives consumers bac…: Heavy and cramped outer displays create daily handling friction that drives consumers back to traditional flagships.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Why I returned my iPhone Duo

29 Oct 2026

Last week I got an iPhone Duo. Six days later, I swapped it for an iPhone 18 Pro Max. Here’s my review of the Duo, and why I ultimately decided it wasn’t for me.

I’ve had iPhones since the iPhone 3G in 2008 – almost twenty years now. In that time we’ve seen the screen size increase a lot and the removal of the home button, but the form factor has otherwise stayed the same.

I used to think this was a bit boring. I’d get a new phone, restore it from a backup, and then think “what now?” It wasn’t usually appreciably different than my previous phone, and I felt like I missed the pre-iPhone days when I’d switch form factors all the time to try new things: a Sony Ericsson slab phone, a Samsung flip phone, a Nokia with a truly bonkers keypad layout. I even tried a Windows Mobile phone for a spell.

Because of this I was really excited to get the Duo. The idea of a…

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