Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo as the first foldable iPhone, but the absence of an optical telephoto lens, its weight of 254 grams and its starting price of about 2,000 dollars stand out as key considerations for those looking to buy it when pre-orders open.
The iPhone Duo’s design and camera system
The phone represents a major redesign of the iPhone lineup, featuring a nano-texture display described as almost crease-free, along with an under-display camera and IP68-rated water and dust resistance. Its camera system consists of a main camera and an ultrawide lens, without a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
This limits options for photographing distant subjects and portraits, as well as changing the composition from the same position, which may affect the decision of users who prioritise camera capabilities. The trade-off becomes more significant when the phone is compared with the iPhone 18 Pro, whose camera system includes an optical telephoto lens and a main camera with a variable aperture.
The phone’s weight and price compared with competitors
The third consideration concerns the price and launch timing, amid rumours that Apple is preparing to launch a redesigned MacBook Pro Ultra in October. Those rumours suggest it could be equipped with an OLED display, and possibly a touchscreen, along with a thinner body and a newer-generation processor from the M series.
These considerations do not mean that the iPhone Duo lacks strengths, as it offers a range of advanced features in Apple’s first foldable generation. However, its suitability for purchase depends on the priority given to photography, weight and budget, as well as the user’s willingness to buy the device’s first generation or wait for improvements in a later generation.
