iPhone Duo sidebar takes 15 percent of 5.4-inch screen

Fifteen percent of the iPhone Duo's 5.4-inch outer display is occupied by a fixed sidebar, according to early user assessments. The software design choice limits the available screen real estate on the device's small cover panel.

The Verge's Allison Johnson noted in a recent review that the iPhone Duo feels harder to use with one hand than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. She cited the physical shape of the devices, pointing out that the Fold 8 is taller and narrower. This design makes its cover screen easier to navigate with a single hand.

The sidebar on the iPhone Duo was intended to simplify navigation. However, because the dock is positioned on the right side of the screen, a large portion of the display remains unused. This creates a visual imbalance that contrasts sharply with the competitor's approach.

On the Galaxy Z Fold 8, users can switch between gesture controls and a navigation bar. When using gestures, the outer screen has very little wasted space. Even with a navigation bar enabled, the layout allows for more main content than the iPhone Duo's fixed sidebar.

Apple's strategy for the iPhone Duo involves shrinking the allowed space to stretch media vertically. This mimics the appearance of content on standard slab devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, by contrast, leaves the space free for primary content, a method that has proven successful for Samsung.

The iPhone Duo is currently available to consumers, though its availability is limited. The device represents Apple's first attempt at a wide foldable form factor. Users are evaluating the hardware and software integration as the product enters the market.

Samsung has refined the Android operating system for its foldable lineup over several years. This long history of development has allowed for smoother integration on large screens. The iPhone Duo faces initial criticism as the first version of Apple's entry into this specific category.