Developers are making Apple's foldable iPhone feel more useful
The article looks at third-party apps built specifically for Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. It says many everyday iOS apps are not yet optimized for the device, but highlights creative examples that take advantage of its different screen sizes. The author contends that these apps make the $2,000 handset more appealing.
Apple’s first foldable handset, the iPhone Duo, starts at $2,000 and has drawn attention less for its launch presentation than for apps designed around its two displays. At release, many common iOS apps still lacked foldable support, appearing with black borders, misplaced controls, or requiring enlargement, reminiscent of early iPad compatibility issues.
Some launch partners, including Netflix, MLB, NYT Cooking, Slack, and Fantastical, prepared Duo-specific experiences. Netflix lets users browse short clips on the outer screen and continue on the inner display. Deck-Man, originally Duo-Man, was created by indie developer Vidit Bhargava at a hackathon and uses the two screens to mimic a cassette Walkman.
The Duo’s success may depend less on hardware novelty than on whether developers keep building for its dual-screen format. Consumers considering a $2,000 foldable could benefit from apps that make the device feel distinct, while mainstream users may find unoptimized apps frustrating. Developers and Apple may face pressure to close that gap, potentially influencing how quickly foldables become practical for everyday tasks rather than niche showcases.