iPhone Duo sidebar consumes 15 percent of 5.4-inch cover display
Fixed navigation dock leaves less usable area on Apple's new foldable than on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, according to early reviews.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Apple has begun shipping the iPhone Duo, a wide foldable smartphone that arrives with a mandatory sidebar on its outer display. The design choice reduces the available space for apps on the device's 5.4-inch cover screen.
Early user feedback indicates the sidebar occupies a substantial portion of the display area. The dock is fixed to the right side of the screen, leaving a large section of the panel unused for primary content. This layout contrasts with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, where navigation gestures or a standard bar leave most of the outer screen open for media and apps.
Allison Johnson of The Verge noted that the iPhone Duo feels more difficult to operate with one hand compared to the Samsung device. The physical dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is taller and narrower, make its cover screen easier to navigate. Johnson highlighted that the iPhone Duo's interface restricts the small display, even though the hardware itself appears capable.
The iPhone Duo uses the sidebar as a space-saving measure. The intent is to shrink the active area so that media stretches to appear taller, mimicking the aspect ratio of a standard slab phone. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 demonstrates that leaving the space free for main content provides a more functional experience for users who prefer gesture navigation.
The iPhone Duo is currently available in a limited capacity. Its arrival follows years of Android refinements by Google and Samsung, which have made the operating system more compatible with large foldable screens. Apple's first attempt at the form factor shows distinct differences in how software utilizes the available real estate.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to gain traction in the market. Its outer screen design, which minimizes wasted space, has become a defining feature for consumers choosing between the two devices. The iPhone Duo's fixed sidebar represents a different approach to managing the small display, prioritizing a specific media layout over maximum app visibility.
