iPhone Duo Sidebar Shrinks Outer Display

Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, a wide foldable phone that includes a fixed sidebar on its outer display. This software element permanently claims a portion of the 5.4-inch cover screen. The design aims to simplify navigation but reduces the area available for main content.

The Verge's Allison Johnson reported that the device feels harder to manage with one hand compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The Fold 8 is taller and narrower, which makes its cover screen easier to reach. Users who preferred the unique outer screen of the Samsung device may find the Apple version less intuitive.

The primary issue on the iPhone Duo is the placement of the dock. It sits on the right side of the screen. Because the menu is fixed, a large chunk of the display is effectively unused. A post on Twitter/X highlighted this severe difference in screen real estate between the two devices.

In a video review, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was set to use a navigation bar instead of gestures. This setting made the comparison less stark. However, for users who rely on navigation gestures, the Samsung device wastes very little screen space. The iPhone Duo does not offer this flexibility on its cover display.

Apple's strategy treats the small display as a space-saving tool. By shrinking the usable area, the system stretches media to appear taller, similar to a standard slab phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 demonstrates that leaving the space free for main content works well. The contrast highlights a difference in how the two companies approach the form factor.

The iPhone Duo is currently available, though its stock is limited. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to see success in the market. The early reception of the Apple device suggests that software implementation remains a challenge for the new form factor.