Is Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo the Future of Smartphones?

Apple just released their first foldable phone, the $2,000 iPhone Duo. Foldable phones promise to give you a smartphone and a tablet in one device, with a bigger screen for reading, streaming, and multitasking. But with a price tag that high, are they actually worth it? 

Senior tech editor Caitlin McGarry and staff tech writer Brenda Stoylar break down what Apple has improved with the Duo, what still falls short, and who these phones are for. Their biggest takeaway: The iPhone Duo is a top-tier foldable phone, but you probably don’t need one. 

This episode covers: 

• Who might actually benefit from a foldable. If you regularly multitask, read, stream, or want to combine your phone and tablet, a larger folding screen could be useful.
• Foldables have gotten better. Improved hinges, more durable displays, and better water and dust resistance make the iPhone Duo and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 more practical than earlier models.
• Why most people don’t need one. If you mainly call, text, browse, and take everyday photos, a regular phone will get the job done for far less money. 

Products we recommend: 

• A top-tier iPhone experience: Apple iPhone Duo
• The best foldable phone-tablet: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
• The best clamshell foldable: Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)

Additional reading:

• Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo Is the Most Exciting Phone in Years. And It Lives Up to the Hype.
• The Best Foldable Phones

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