iPhone 18 Pro and Duo: First Impressions Review

TL;DR

The iPhone 18 Pro refines a familiar design, while the iPhone Duo introduces Apple’s folding form factor with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. The Pro adds an A20 Pro chip, a four-stop variable-aperture camera, and a 25% smaller Dynamic Island; the Duo shifts between an iPhone-like and iPad mini-like experience. Read on for details about performance claims, cameras, displays, authentication, colors, and prices.

Transcript

Well, well, well. We are right back in Teeptember and today Apple had their annual fall event where they reveal all their new iPhones. Except they didn't unveil all the newest iPhones today. Uh they had to make room for the big important folding thing. So with this event, we just got the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the new folding one. And so... Read More

Key Insights

• iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip, offering improved performance and efficiency.
• The 18 Pro boasts a variable aperture lens, allowing for manual control over camera settings.
• Dynamic Island is 25% smaller, offering more screen space for live activities.
• The iPhone Duo introduces a foldable design, merging iPhone and iPad functionalities.
• Duo's cover display is passport-shaped, with a 5.4-inch front and 7.6-inch interior screen.
• Duo employs a Touch ID fingerprint reader, replacing Face ID for authentication.
• The foldable design includes IP68 water and dust resistance, enhancing durability.
• Duo's unique software offers intuitive multitasking and seamless transitions between screens.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main features of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo?

The iPhone 18 Pro adds an A20 Pro chip, a variable-aperture main camera, a 25% smaller Dynamic Island, and new colors while retaining the previous design and sizes. The iPhone Duo is a passport-shaped, book-style foldable with a 5.4-inch outer display, a 7.6-inch inner display, a titanium frame, and Touch ID.

Q: What improvements does the A20 Pro chip offer?

The A20 Pro is described as a 2-nanometer chip with 50% more memory bandwidth. The transcript says its actual performance and efficiency gains remain to be determined through testing.

Q: How does the iPhone 18 Pro variable-aperture camera work?

The main camera can physically stop its aperture down instead of remaining wide open. Its camera app provides manual control over four aperture stops, and the blades can be seen opening and closing in sufficient light.

Q: How much smaller is the iPhone 18 Pro’s Dynamic Island?

The Dynamic Island is 25% smaller because the Face ID infrared camera was moved behind the display in the upper-left corner. The smaller central cutout creates enough room for up to three live activities instead of two.

Q: What battery-life improvements are claimed for the iPhone 18 Pro models?

Apple claims the iPhone 18 Pro will deliver the same battery life as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is claimed to have the best battery life ever in an iPhone, although the first impressions do not verify those claims.

Q: How does the iPhone Duo’s folding design work?

The Duo works like a compact iPhone when closed and an iPad mini-like device when opened. It has a 5.4-inch high-refresh-rate cover display and unfolds to a bright 7.6-inch high-refresh-rate display with uniform bezels.

Q: Does the iPhone Duo have Face ID?

No, the iPhone Duo does not have Face ID. Its power button on the right-hand rail also serves as a Touch ID fingerprint reader.

Q: How much do the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both starting prices are described as $100 higher than the previous year.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 18 Pro and Duo feature significant upgrades, including the A20 Pro chip and improved battery life. The Duo, Apple's first foldable iPhone, combines the portability of an iPhone with the expansive display of an iPad mini, offering a unique user experience.

• The iPhone 18 Pro retains familiar design elements but introduces a variable aperture lens for enhanced photography. The Dynamic Island is smaller, allowing for more live activities on the screen, while new color options are available.

• The iPhone Duo's foldable design is a standout feature, offering a compact iPhone experience when closed and an iPad mini-like experience when open. Despite some design quirks, it offers innovative features like IP68 resistance and a unique software interface.