The Verge’s Duo Review: ‘Apple... Note

The Verge’s Duo Review: ‘Apple’s Folding Phone Is a Messy, Expensive Good Time’

The device's default orientation for use is counterclockwise, which feels unnatural initially. This counterintuitive orientation becomes especially noticeable when using Apple's bumper case. Reorienting oneself to the volume button placement is a significant part of the user experience. The volume buttons maintain a fixed orientation, meaning the up button lowers the volume and the down button raises it when held vertically with buttons on the right. This issue could easily be fixed by a buried iOS setting being the default. Unlocking the phone also requires adjustment, as it uses Touch ID integrated into the wake button instead of Face ID. While Touch ID eventually becomes familiar, it's a departure from Apple's usual biometric authentication. The device lacks the ability to switch camera image previews to the other panel for a waist-level viewfinder experience. This limitation presents an opportunity for third-party camera applications to enhance functionality. The reviewers, Patel and Johnson, are generally positive about the iPhone Duo, scoring it 7/10. However, the author of this text has a much more critical view, suggesting a 4/10 rating for the Duo. The author also believes the iPhone 18 Pro deserves a 10/10, vastly differing from The Verge's 8/10 score. This disparity highlights a significant divergence in opinion regarding the device's overall quality and usability.