7/10: Reviewers Reassess Dual-Screen iPhone Score
Vergecast hosts admit the initial grade for Apple's new device may not have been final after debating its classification as a tablet.
By Lucy Lefebvre ·
The initial review of Apple's new iPhone Duo landed at 7 out of 10, a score the publication's hosts now say was not their original intent. David and Nilay, hosts of The Vergecast, stated that the grade reflects a complex assessment of a device that challenges the definition of a smartphone. They argued that the product should have been categorized and reviewed as an iPad rather than an iPhone. This shift in perspective suggests the score may change as the device's identity becomes clearer.
The debate over the device's classification gained traction this week following comments from John Gruber of Daring Fireball. Gruber suggested that the outer screen of the Duo is the worst iPhone ever made. The Vergecast hosts used this critique to explore whether the product would be viewed more favorably if it launched under the iPad brand. They questioned if the name 'iPad Duo' would alter consumer perception of the hardware. The discussion highlighted the difficulty of evaluating a product that blends two distinct categories of Apple hardware.
The hosts also addressed the potential for the device to improve over time. They acknowledged that the current iteration may not represent the final form of the product. However, they remained uncertain about whether the Duo will become the primary phone for a wide audience. The conversation focused on the specific challenges of reviewing a large, new concept applied to the most popular smartphone in history.
The episode aired on October 23, 2026. Alongside the review debate, the hosts covered a major cybersecurity flaw in PHP that affected the web this week. They discussed how the vulnerability impacts the future of the web, AI, and online retail. The segment noted that AI shopping agents, specifically Muse agents, are forcing retailers to rethink customer interactions. The show also touched on a Netflix reboot, Gemini news, and the flying Tesla Roadster.
Listeners can reach the hosts at 866-VERGE11 or by email at vergecast@theverge.com. The publication invited feedback on the week's topics, including vibe-coding creators and chaos in the AI math world. The Vergecast hotline remains open for listeners to share their thoughts on the ongoing tech developments.
Source: The Verge
