Duo-Optimized Apps Show Potential of Apple’s $2,000 Foldable iPhone, TechCrunch Says

In a review, TechCrunch said the Duo is Apple’s entry into the foldable-phone market and, while imperfect, is whimsical, fun and genuinely exciting. The reviewer said the device did not generate that reaction at its official announcement, when questions included whether a phone that folds and can be propped up like a tent for Netflix was worth the extra cost. Interest grew as developers began creating apps for the foldable design, the review said, pointing to Apple’s active and creative developer community as a reason users stay with iOS.

The review acknowledged that many everyday iOS apps were not optimized by launch day. It said those apps can appear surrounded by black bars, place controls in odd positions or require a tap to enlarge, similar to the early days of running iPhone apps on iPad. Still, the review focused on apps that were built for the Duo and used its different screen sizes in their designs. The apps were tested on a review unit provided by Apple, TechCrunch said.

Netflix, one of Apple’s hand-picked partners for the Duo launch, was Duo-optimized when the device shipped, along with apps including MLB, NYT Cooking, Slack and Fantastical, according to the review. TechCrunch described Netflix as a showcase for a likely regular Duo use case: watching movies and TV. On the outer screen, users can scroll through Netflix’s short-form “Clips,” then open the device to continue watching on the larger matte inner display; the content adapts to the new screen size.

The review also highlighted Deck-Man, formerly known as Duo-Man, designed by indie developer Vidit Bhargava at a hackathon. The music player uses the Duo’s two screens to imitate a Walkman cassette player. Users can browse albums presented as cassettes, load one into the player and control playback with play, pause, fast-forward and rewind controls, with clicks and cassette sounds recorded from a real portable cassette player, according to TechCrunch. With the device open, the cassette appears to play alongside album imagery; when closed, the interface resembles the front of a Walkman.

TechCrunch said Deck-Man appeals because it builds something that could exist only on a hinged, foldable device and because it taps into growing demand for retro tech, which the review described partly as a cultural response to the speed at which the AI industry ships products. The review said retro tech such as dumbphones, digital cameras, vinyl, CDs and landlines recalls a time when technology use was intentional rather than embedded in every aspect of life.