How we really feel about the iPhone Duo | Livestream
Summary
The Vergecast reviews the new iPhone Duo, a foldable smartphone that reviewers describe as a heavy, first-generation device with a confusing "passport" form factor. The discussion highlights significant software challenges, noting that many apps are poorly optimized or "vibe-coded" for the new display, leading to a chaotic user experience. The hosts debate whether the device should have been an iPad, criticize the small outer screen and battery life, and analyze the trade-offs between the phone's weight and its innovative features.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro
Welcome and review context
Battery life and usage patterns
Size, shape, and the 'passport' form factor
Usefulness of the outer display
Changing your relationship with the phone
App optimization and the landscape problem
The 'Duo wants to be an iPad' dilemma
Hardware design: buttons, cameras, and Face ID
Orientation settings and case issues
Case fit and the 'Karen case'
Sponsors: Framer and OutShift
The crease and screen finish
Camera features and thermal throttling
Camera trade-offs: telephoto vs. ultrawide
eSIM and carrier support
Multitasking and split view
Sponsors: T-Mobile and Tiger Sisters
Public reactions and app ecosystem state
Developer incentives and future outlook
Price, value, and final thoughts
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