Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the $2,000 iPhone Duo, is introducing new ways to use mobile applications as developers adapt their software to its dual-screen design. Apps including Netflix, Flighty, Wakeout and several independent releases now support different screen configurations, allowing users to switch between compact, tablet-like and partially folded layouts.
The device runs iOS 27 and supports a range of multitasking features, including Split View. According to an announcement from Apple, developers are creating interfaces that respond to the device’s position and display size, rather than simply enlarging existing iPhone applications.
However, not every application has been optimized for the new format. Some existing apps still display black borders, improperly positioned controls or interfaces that require manual resizing.
Streaming and Productivity Apps Adapt to Foldable Displays
Netflix was among the first applications optimized for the iPhone Duo, alongside MLB, NYT Cooking, Slack and Fantastical. Its updated interface allows users to browse short-form video clips on the outer display before unfolding the device to continue watching on the larger inner screen.
Flighty, an Apple Design Award-winning travel application, uses the expanded display to show detailed flight routes and information simultaneously. Its new En Route Mode also lets travelers position the device like a tent on an airplane tray table to monitor flight progress over Wi-Fi.
Fitness application Wakeout supports multiple device orientations, including closed, fully open, laptop-style and tent configurations. Its exercise videos and navigation controls automatically reposition depending on how the device is placed.
Independent Developers Introduce Foldable-Specific Features
Several independent developers have created applications that use the iPhone Duo’s folding mechanism for interactive experiences.
Deck-Man, previously called Duo-Man, recreates a portable cassette player with animated tapes, playback controls and recorded mechanical sounds. Developed by Vidit Bhargava during a hackathon, the application changes its interface when the device is folded or opened.
TypeDraw, developed by Phil Traut, transforms the device into a digital notebook with customizable handwriting fonts, paper styles, ink colors and drawing tools. Users can turn animated pages and interact with a virtual elastic closure band.
Tiny Computers recreates ten older computer systems, including the Macintosh, Commodore 64, IBM PC, Windows 95 and iMac G3. The $3.99 application features interactive keyboards, command lines, desktop games and hidden challenges without subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Creative Apps Use the Duo’s Larger Display
Sky Guide uses the unfolded screen to display an expanded interactive map of the night sky, adjusting to the user’s position and orientation. Music application MD Vinyl similarly uses the extra display space for a virtual record player with interactive controls.
Pico Cam, a photography application inspired by instant cameras, supports both folded and unfolded layouts for capturing, decorating and viewing photos.
Another application, Toastie, turns the folding mechanism into a virtual toaster. Priced at $2.99, it lets users select ingredients, close the device to simulate cooking and reopen it to check the result.
Apple has also introduced dedicated App Store collections identifying applications optimized for the iPhone Duo, with additional updates expected from developers.
Featured image credits: Apple
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