iPhone Duo owners must buy extra gear for basic functions

Apple’s first foldable smartphone is available for purchase, but the device requires separate hardware to unlock several of its advertised capabilities. The iPhone Duo box includes a USB-C cable and the phone, yet it omits the power adapter and stylus needed for fast charging and handwriting. Consumers looking to use the device’s full feature set must spend an additional $249 on third-party or Apple-branded accessories.

The most notable omission is the Apple Pencil, which supports the device’s new handwriting capabilities. Apple stated that the design of the Pencil support was based on the proportions of a standard A-series notebook. Users will be able to write and sketch on both the inner and outer displays, but the feature is not active immediately. Apple said the functionality will arrive in the iOS 27.2 update next week. Only the Apple Pencil with a USB-C connector will work, and it is currently listed at $69, a reduction from its previous $79 price tag.

Fast charging is another area where the phone relies on external hardware. The device can reach 50 percent battery in roughly 20 minutes, but this speed requires a specific power adapter. Since the box contains no charger, buyers must purchase one. Recommended options include Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max, priced at $34, and Anker’s 100W USB-C charger with a five-foot cable, available for $29. Many owners may already have a 20W adapter, but that unit does not support the maximum charging speed.

For those who drive, the ESR MagSafe Car Mount offers a way to hold the phone securely in a vehicle. The accessory clips onto an air vent and uses magnetic technology to keep the device in place. It is currently discounted to $19 from its original $29 price. Drivers using CarPlay can display maps on the car’s screen while the phone shows turn-by-turn directions, a setup that the larger Duo display may enhance.

Protective cases are available from both Apple and third-party manufacturers. Apple sells the iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand for $129 and a standard iPhone Duo Case for $79. Third-party options include the SPIDERCASE Magnetic Case, which features a built-in stand and screen protector for $29, and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro, a clear MagSafe-compatible case priced at $39.

The phone’s updated StandBy mode allows users to view smart home controls while the device is standing upright, even if it is not charging. Two specific views, Home Camera and Home Modular, provide access to connected security systems. Recommended HomeKit-compatible cameras include the Aqara G100 2K model at $39 and a eufy 4K camera at $69. These accessories allow users to monitor their homes directly from the phone’s display.

As an additional option for audio, AirPods Pro 3 are available for $199, down from $249. The accessory is not exclusive to the iPhone Duo but is included in the recommended list for those seeking improved noise cancellation for work or daily use.