I took two iPhones on vacation. The Duo won me over.

A reporter tests the iPhone Duo

A tech reporter took the new iPhone Duo on a five-day trip. Apple lent it to them as a test device. They also brought their own iPhone 17 Pro Max, just in case. At first, they were annoyed by broken apps, new gestures, and camera worries. By the end of the trip, they did not want to go back to their old phone.

Key facts from the test

• The Duo costs about $2,000.
• The reporter used the phone for five days of vacation.
• The phone was dropped at least three times, from table height and off a bed, and did not break.
• The reporter sat on the phone many times in a back pocket, and it did not break.
• The outer screen is small, so reading back through text threads takes more scrolling.

Why this phone is different

The Duo is a new kind of iPhone. It is short and wide, not thin and tall like the usual iPhone. Moving to it is a big change, and it can feel strange at first. Users must also learn new ways to use the phone, such as a return to Touch ID for unlocking.

Why it matters

This story shows how a new phone design can win over a skeptical user. It also shows that software problems, like a search app that freezes, can slow down daily use. For buyers paying about $2,000, both the strengths and the bugs matter.

What to watch

• Whether Google fixes the Search app freezing on the Duo.
• Whether apps that hide key features in a three-dot menu get updated.
• Whether more people choose the Duo after trying it.