Iphone Duo Buyers Split on Whether to Keep the Phone
WHO:
9to5Mac - Apple described the iPhone Duo as “the most transformational change to iPhone since the original”; John Ternus said its design and experiences showed what was possible when hardware and software were engineered together.
The Verge - Ben Seligson, a content creator and photographer, returned his iPhone Duo. Michael Hayes also returned his Duo. Fayethe Vongsouvanh, an art director, returned a replacement Duo after returning the first one.
The Verge - Seligson and Hayes switched back to slab-style iPhones rather than other foldable phones.
Mashable - The article’s author said the iPhone Duo had been their daily phone for a month and wrote, “I’m never going back to the Pro.”
WHAT:
9to5Mac - Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo drew substantial interest, but some buyers returned their devices; 9to5Mac asked early buyers whether they kept or returned theirs.
The Verge - The Duo cost $2,000. Some early buyers returned it after deciding they did not want to keep it.
The Verge - Apple appeared to be selling Duos, with new online orders projected to ship in January.
The Verge - Vongsouvanh’s first Duo screen cracked on the second day; they obtained a replacement, then returned that device as well.
The Verge - Seligson said the Duo’s two-in-one design made replying to a text or setting a timer more disruptive when the phone was also serving as an iPad left on the counter.
The Verge - Hayes said the Duo prompted him to choose a regular Pro instead of a Pro Max because the latter felt “comically big” after using the Duo.
WHERE:
The Verge - Vongsouvanh was at home recovering from hand surgery when the first Duo’s screen cracked.
The Verge - Seligson cited his family’s use of FaceTime and his ownership of a Mac and iPad as reasons he did not switch to Samsung foldables.
WHEN:
9to5Mac - Apple’s standard return policy gives buyers 14 days to return a product for a full refund without giving a reason.
The Verge - Apple’s holiday return policy began on November 6th; buyers receiving a Duo under that policy have until January 8th, 2027, to return it for a full refund.
WHY:
9to5Mac - Reasons cited for returning the Duo included its weight and bulk, a small outer screen, cameras considered inferior to those on the iPhone 18 Pro, and disappointment with its usefulness as a multifunctional device.
The Verge - Vongsouvanh said the phone was “too heavy and bulky” for daily use. Other returners cited the small outer display and cameras they considered inadequate.
The Verge - Hayes and Seligson said Apple ecosystem ties—including family FaceTime use and Apple devices—made trying an Android foldable unattractive.
The Verge - Seligson said the Duo felt different and “didn’t feel like the same phone everyone’s had for the last ten years.”
HOW:
9to5Mac - Apple’s standard return process allows a full refund within 14 days without requiring a reason.
The Verge - Vongsouvanh said they had not been rough with the phone when its screen cracked because they were recovering from hand surgery.
(UPDATED November 12, 2026 10:59 UTC)
Apple’s $2,000 foldable iPhone Duo drew strong interest, but some buyers returned theirs. They cited its bulk, small screen, and awkward everyday multitasking. Others praised its fresh design, and holiday returns remain available through January 8, 2027.