This may not be an original take, but in my view, having two devices is better than one. Specifically, I’m referring to an iPad mini plus an iPhone being preferable to an iPhone Duo.
Clearly the iPhone Duo comes from the marriage of those two devices. And of course I can certainly see the benefit in having an iPhone Duo and strongly considered the purchase of Duo to replace my Pro Max.
However I personally think the functionality offered by the camera systems of an iPhone Pro plus the larger screen and functions of iPadOS on a device even as small as an iPad mini represents the best of both worlds.
There is universal surprise and delight for the iPhone Duo software given the that the hardware was already leaked. And although the Duo’s capabilities have impressed me, I still have significant concerns on the durability of the fold mechanism for the multi-year use required to justify a £2000 phone.
The latest iPhones Pro which accompany the release of the iPhone Duo actually introduce a clear separation between the Duo and Pro line. With Pro phones introducing variable aperture in the camera in addition to further camera module and thermal management improvements. The iPhones Pro have a telephoto lens, new pro camera controls, pro-res video, spatial photos, spatial video and an action button, none of which is available on the iPhone Duo.
Consequently I am more tempted by the Pro line and have already been using my iPad mini as my (almost) pocketable device around the house.
My own iPad mini is the previous generation, which although not supporting Apple Intelligence does support multiple windows and split screen, even if limited by the 8.3” display. If I am to replace this by the rumoured OLED mini then I may even reach for the cellular model.
And here’s a video from Adrián Santos on X showing the two devices side-by-side.
Two devices means 2 devices to carry, 2 devices to manage apps and settings, and of course 2 devices to charge and update. But this also allows me to spread the cost of upgrades and the combined cost would still be less than an iPhone Duo.
I do remain tempted by the iPhone Duo, but equally tempted to wait for the iPhone Duo 2 and benefit from engineering improvements which will be applied to a device which is probably already in development.