iPhone Duo sidebar eats into small screen

Owners of the new Apple iPhone Duo are finding that the device's software limits the usability of its small outer screen. The 5.4-inch cover display features a mandatory sidebar on the right side. This design choice leaves a large portion of the screen empty. The result makes the phone feel harder to control with a single hand.

Allison Johnson, a reviewer for The Verge, noted these issues in a recent assessment. She compared the iPhone Duo directly to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The Fold 8 has a taller and narrower physical shape. This form factor allows users to navigate the cover screen more easily. The iPhone Duo lacks that advantage because of its wider aspect ratio and software layout.

The sidebar on the iPhone Duo was intended to simplify navigation. It houses the dock for quick app access. However, the dock sits on the right edge of the display. This placement consumes approximately 15 percent of the total screen area. Users cannot remove the sidebar, so that space remains unused for main content.

By contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 leaves most of its outer display free. When set to use a navigation bar instead of gestures, the Fold 8 shows slightly more wasted space. However, for users who rely on gesture controls, the usable area is nearly full. The difference between the two devices is stark when viewed side by side.

Apple aimed to create a space-saving solution with the iPhone Duo. The company shrunk the available display area to make media appear taller. This approach mimics the look of a standard slab smartphone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 suggests that leaving the space open for content works better in practice.

The iPhone Duo is currently available for purchase, though stock is limited. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to sell well for Samsung. Both phones represent the latest generation of wide foldable devices. The competition between the two manufacturers will shape the future of this category.

Johnson’s review highlights the trade-offs in Apple’s first entry into this specific market. The hardware itself looks promising. The software implementation, however, presents immediate challenges for daily use. Users must decide if the taller media display outweighs the loss of usable screen space.