The first reviews of Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo are out, and its new Touch ID system is the main point of criticism. The Duo replaces Face ID with a fingerprint sensor in the side button, and Apple added an intentional delay: the phone pauses on the lock screen and only proceeds if the user keeps holding the sensor.
In the first full review, published by The Verge, the Duo is described as Apple’s first foldable and its first iPhone that is shorter and wider rather than taller, after years of 2:3, 16:9 and 19.5:9 proportions. It has a 5.4-inch glossy outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display with a nano-texture matte finish, both at a 1.4:1 aspect ratio. The matte coating hides the crease, which Apple calls “perceptually flat”, though the under-display camera can reflect light in bright conditions, a feature already criticised for poor photo quality in our earlier coverage.
According to MacRumors, Apple told Engadget the Touch ID delay creates a consistent experience with Macs and iPads and gives the phone time to wake and display notifications. Accidental presses on the button can produce a haptic error buzz, MacRumors reported, citing PetaPixel. Several reviewers said they miss Face ID; reviewer Joanna Stern wrote, “Face ID, I cannot tell you how deeply I miss you.”
The faster alternative, several reviewers found, is unlocking with an Apple Watch. “I’m going to tell you right now, you will want to wear an Apple Watch,” said Brian Tong.
The iPhone Duo launches on 23 October (our launch coverage).