Craig Federighi made an unexpected appearance at Apple's September Event, to talk about iOS on iPhone Duo.
Apple's software chief rarely makes keynote appearances outside of WWDC, the company's annual developers conference where they announce new updates to its platforms and developer tools.
Federighi most recently introduced the upcoming iOS 27 updates, alongside all other platforms, in June.
His appearance at this year's hardware-focused iPhone launch event was to talk about how iOS has been adapted for the new foldable form factor.
iPhone Duo, with its shorter and wider front display, which opens up into a large iPad-like experience, requires a custom-built version of iOS, which mainly caters for slimmer, taller iPhones.
Vertical Controls
Apple has relocated the dock to the right-hand side of the screen for reachability, along with the time and in-app controls.
Information that usually appears at the top of your iPhone nestled besides the Dynamic Island, including the Wi-Fi, cellular connection and battery, have been combined into a flexible circular 'system' that adapts to show all the information you need.
iPhone Duo features a pinhole front camera in the top right that expands vertically into a Dynamic Island when necessary.
StandBy Mode
StandBy mode now works without plugging the device in to power.
On other iPhone models, StandBy only enables when the device is rotated horizontally on a stand, and plugged into power. With iPhone Duo, the device can be placed in 'tent mode' and will transition to StandBy.
Apple showcased many use-cases for StandBy, including as a bedside clock that uses the inner display to provide a gentle glow, as a way to keep on top of notifications and even a small picture frame that rotates through your albums.
Multi-tasking
For the first time ever, iOS supports Split View, so you can have two apps open at once.
This appears very similar to the old Split View from iPadOS 18, where you can place two apps side by side with a small toggle in the middle to adjust sizing.
You can also have an app open to one side of the display, with access to your Home Page beside it.
Software Enhancements
In addition to these big changes, Apple has kept its eye on the details with many smaller quality of life features.
This includes a blur animation as you open or adjust the device that elegantly transitions your homepage from the outer to inner display.
You can sit the device up like a laptop when watching content, and the controls and keyboard will move to the bottom display.
The software reorientates itself whether you're using the device on the inner display, outer display, folded, vertically or horizontally, with controls moving and adjusting to convenient, reachable locations.
Final Thoughts
Apple has reengineered a version of iOS built exclusively for this device, rather than trying to make the standard version of iOS fit the new form factor.
The company says iOS has been reimagined but remains familiar and, if you're both an iPhone and iPad user, you may feel the software experience is a merge of both iOS and iPadOS.
The custom built software could be the feature that lets the iPhone Duo stand out in the foldable market.
