Threat to Android? Surprising feature that sets iPhone Duo apart
Apple designers reveal the secret behind the iPhone Duo’s unique form factor (screenshot: Apple)
Apple has gone against the main trend in foldable smartphones — the iPhone Duo features unusual proportions instead of the narrow, tall body seen in competing models. Chief designer Molly Anderson and vice president of interface design Steve Lemay explained why the company chose this particular form factor, according to GQ.
Inspired by A-series paper and a familiar notebook
According to Molly Anderson, the main idea was to make the device feel like a traditional paper notebook.
When folded, it stays compact; when unfolded, it offers significantly more workspace.
The iPhone Duo’s proportions are based on the international A-series paper format, where the aspect ratio remains unchanged when folded in half.
The smartphone features a curved titanium frame and a special hinge that changes resistance as it moves. This allows the iPhone Duo to unfold smoothly and lock securely into a completely flat position.
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Smooth software evolution instead of an entirely new product
Steve Lemay added that Cupertino wanted to avoid making users feel as though they were switching to a completely different device when opening it.
He noted that the operating system is built on the best features developed for the iPad, Macintosh and previous iPhone models.
Experts highlight the following key software and display features:
- special animation during unfolding creates the effect of looking through a window, as if the outer screen simply expands smoothly from within;
- nanotexture matte finish on the inner display eliminates the central crease without compromising image quality;
- a barely noticeable selfie camera hidden directly beneath the display;
- support for an adaptive mode — for example, folding the device halfway to watch content or use it in an alarm-clock/desktop display mode;
- optimization of popular apps, such as Netflix, Slack and Zoom, ahead of the official release.
At Apple, the company hopes that the combination of thoughtfully designed hardware, seamless animations and a unique form factor will inspire third-party developers to create new ways of using the iPhone Duo.
