iPhone Duo images temper hopes for a crease-free foldable

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo at its “Surprise and Shine” event, marking the company’s first entry into the foldable-phone market. Early hands-on images suggest that Apple has reduced, but not eliminated, the display crease.

Samsung launched the first Galaxy Fold device in 2019, while Apple took longer to enter the category. Rumors before the announcement suggested that the iPhone Duo would have no visible crease. However, Reddit users have already identified a partially visible crease that appears at certain angles and under some lighting conditions.

The iPhone Duo uses a matte folding nano-texture display designed to reduce glare and reflections. Despite that finish, a clear vertical dip runs through the centre of the device’s 7.6-inch screen. Apple says optically clear adhesives allow the display layers to move as the screen folds, reducing stress and creasing.

The crease is difficult to see when the phone is held face-on, and some foldable-phone owners say users eventually stop noticing it. TechRadar’s first hands-on experience found the iPhone Duo impressive, with only minimal crease-related issues reported by Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff.

The device lacks features including Face ID and Action Button, but the early assessment describes it as a solid start for Apple’s foldable-phone effort.