Google is rolling out its November update for Googlebook, and it includes a handful of improvements to make the platform more reliable and less frustrating to use.
The biggest change is in how Googlebook handles memory used by its on-device AI services. Google has updated its NPU driver and optimized AICore memory management, freeing up 3GB to 6GB of system RAM, as per a Reddit post by Google's Mishaal Rahman. That’s a significant bump for laptops with 16GB of RAM, especially when jumping between a lot of apps and browser tabs.
Chrome should also behave better under heavier workloads. The update improves the way the system reclaims memory when background AI services conflict with browser processes, reducing the chances of unexpected tab reloads and crashes. I’m almost tempted to say the update is the kind of fix that arguably should have been in place before Googlebook launched, but better late than never.
The November release covers a wide range of hardware and software issues. Convertibles should no longer lose keyboard and touchpad input when you switch between tablet and laptop modes. Google has also fixed Zoom crashes using simulated backgrounds, filters, blur effects, and 3D avatars.
External displays get a little love, too. Now you should be able to play DRM-protected streaming content such as Netflix, rather than just seeing a black screen. USB microphones and multichannel audio interfaces should work as expected too. Bluetooth users can also get lower audio-video synchronization delays and more reliable reconnection for wireless mice.
Linux users and security get some love, too
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Google hasn't forgotten about those who use Googlebook for development work. The Linux Terminal beta brings in a bunch of fixes, including more reliable shell sessions after sleep, better SSH port forwarding, and improved multi-window management. Google also fixed a memory leak when closing terminal tabs and made Linux VM updates less destructive, preserving user storage and custom SSH configurations.
Security is another part of the release. The Android security patch for November 1, 2026 resolves around 60 vulnerabilities. Google also updated the Linux 6.18 kernel and Ti50 security chip firmware, fixing unexpected restarts, boot loops, and noisy fans.
Google says the update is being rolled out gradually to supported models, including devices from Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Owners can find it under Settings > System > System Update. You want the build number CL3B.260622.286.R2.
Early reactions on Reddit have been largely positive, with some owners already reporting smoother performance. That said, users are reporting issues, including Chrome spell check and notification syncing problems after waking from sleep.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/qCXOLm3
via IFTTT
Rumors on Weibo suggest Vivo is developing a wide foldable with a "sub-6.5-inch display."
Additional rumors claim this device could debut sometime in 2027, though a more specific timeframe hasn't been reported.
Previous reports suggest OPPO is looking at a Q1 2027 release window for its wide foldable; however, both it and Honor are rumored to have a phone with a 7.6-inch inner display.
It's been a while since the last wide fold rumor, but they're back, and Vivo is in the spotlight this time.
Recent rumors were set in motion on Weibo by tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), who claims Vivo has continued developing a "wide fold" (via GSMArena). DCS claims Vivo's wide foldable take could land on the smaller side. Allegedly, the device could debut with a screen "under 6.5 inches."
Additionally, DCS claims Vivo is seeking a date in 2027 to release its wide foldable. This is certainly different. For comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 (which has continued to gain popularity) features a 7.6-inch inner screen. Another comparison: the iPhone Duo also features a 7.6-inch screen. Vivo opting for a sub-6.5-inch screen would certainly make it more "compact" in a space that's trying to go a bit bigger.
However, there's still a lot we don't know. DCS replied to one user, stating the majority of the hardware components have been "finalized." What's more, users don't appear phased by Vivo trying to go smaller. Many feel its internal components (its specifications, specifically) would carry the device.
Vivo wants to be different, huh? We've already seen and experienced how popular Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is. But to imagine a wide foldable with a smaller inner display—thin, too, most likely—what would that look like? I mentioned people on Weibo weren't too phased by the rumor, and maybe they're onto something. I saw people saying a phone of this size, thin, and with Vivo's classic tech might be worthwhile. Maybe they're right.
Several wide foldable rumors have circulated ever since Samsung's version took the market by storm. It was originally rumored that Vivo and Honor were developing wide-folding phones to compete with the South Korean OEM. Some claimed that Vivo could debut the device as the "X Fold 6," but that's not possible. Either way, this is the first taste of what could be possible for a Vivo wide fold.
We've seen other rumors concerning its would-be competitors, and Vivo is seemingly the only one going smaller. Honor's wide foldable rumors suggest it would feature a 7.6-inch internal display, a 5.5-inch cover, and a 7,000mAh or higher battery. Even OPPO's been in the rumors with a device sporting a 7.6-inch display, a 5.5-inch cover, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
There's a chance OPPO is looking to debut its take in Q1 2027.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/3MfQjYC
via IFTTT
Google is rolling out a new "Notify when left behind" feature for Bluetooth trackers connected to Android's Find Hub.
The feature sends an alert when you move away from an item with a tracker attached, such as your wallet, keys, or bag.
Apple has offered similar left-behind alerts through Find My for years, but Android is only now getting the feature.
Android's Find Hub is getting a pretty useful new feature that will notify you whenever you leave an item with a Bluetooth tracker behind.
Google revamped Android's Find Hub last year, introducing a new interface alongside the ability to track devices, Bluetooth trackers, and people in one place. Since then, we've also seen several new Bluetooth trackers arrive on the market, including the Moto Tag and Chipolo trackers. And now, Google is finally adding one important feature that has been missing from Find Hub until now.
As spotted by 9to5Google, Google has started rolling out a new feature called "Notify when left behind" for Bluetooth trackers connected to Android's Find Hub network.
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
What this feature basically does is send you a notification whenever you leave an item with a tracker attached to it behind. For example, if you have a wallet with a Bluetooth card tracker inside and accidentally leave it somewhere, Find Hub can notify you once you've moved away from that location.
Apple has offered similar functionality through its Find My network for quite a while now, but this is the first time we're seeing it arrive for Android's Find Hub trackers.
To enable the feature, open the Find Hub app, select your Bluetooth tracker, and then look for the Notify when left behind option in the tracker's settings. Once enabled, Find Hub should alert you whenever you leave that particular tracker behind.
For now, the feature appears to be limited to Bluetooth trackers rather than other devices like headphones. However, there's a chance Google could expand support to more device categories in the future.
It's a pretty nifty addition, especially if you're someone who frequently misplaces things like keys, wallets, or bags. And considering Apple has offered this functionality for years, it's good to see Google finally bringing it to Android's Find Hub as well.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/gxhL7zM
via IFTTT
Samsung is expanding its One UI 9 rollout in the US, and owners of its rugged Galaxy XCover 7 Pro are next in line.
The Android 17-based update has begun rolling out to carrier-locked models, bringing a number of interface improvements, new privacy features, and upgrades to some of Samsung’s built-in apps. The unlocked models will take a bit longer, though, but the rollout is expected to reach them soon.
The update comes with firmware version G766USQUADZJ7, spotted by SamMobile, and was first rolled out in South Korea last month.
One of the more obvious changes is to the Quick Settings panel. One UI 9 gives users more customization options, so they can arrange quick controls to their liking. Samsung has also added a location privacy indicator to give users a better visual indicator when an app accesses their device’s location.
There are other improvements beyond the interface. For instance, the Samsung Notes app gets some upgrades that should make it more convenient to work with notes, and Samsung DeX also gets new features. The update also adds a dedicated Warranty and care section in Settings, offering a more accessible spot to find device support information.
Two major Android updates, with more security support ahead
The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro was launched with One UI 7 based on Android 15. The rugged phone now gets two major Android version upgrades with One UI 9. Samsung hasn’t been explicit about how many more major OS updates the device will get, though.
There is better news on the security front. Samsung has committed to providing seven years of security updates for the XCover 7 Pro, offering businesses and users who depend on rugged hardware an extended support period.
For the time being, eligible owners can check if the update is available by going to Settings > Software update > Check for updates.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/fKcaTbI
via IFTTT
Rumors from overseas claim Honor is working on a phone battery between 14,000 and 15,000mAh.
The tipster claims the Chinese OEM is already testing such a battery, and its main feature could be its "guaranteed" ability to last a full week on a single charge.
Honor stepped down a battery-focused route in 2025, stating it would increase its phone battery capacities with silicon-carbon tech.
Word is that Honor is working on a phone with a huge battery that's also incredibly efficient.
Earlier this week, Digital Chat Station (DCS) posted a few supposed details on Weibo about a future Honor phone's battery (via Android Headlines). According to the tipster, Honor is developing a phone battery between 14,000 and 15,000mAh. DCS states the Chinese OEM is currently "testing" a battery with such an increased capacity. However, it looks like Honor is also trying to ensure the battery remains efficient with low user demand.
Rumors add that this battery could be "guaranteed" to last a full week on a single charge. DCS states this could be the "main feature" of the phone's battery. The tipster replied to user comments, adding that the device (and likely the battery) won't be overly large. So, there's a chance Honor is working on upgrading its silicon-carbon battery technology even further than what we've experienced.
(Image credit: Honor)
As if it needed to be said, these totals are massive. It feels like Honor wants to place a mini power bank inside a phone. Recently, the company debuted the Magic 9 Pro Max. It marked the start of Honor's shift toward a more cinematic approach with its ARRI partnership. Aside from that, the phone features an 8,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor's been increasing its battery capacities over the years, and this phone is no exception.
The company states the Magic 9 Pro Max supports 100W wired SuperCharging and 80W wireless charging. These have been classics for it over the past few launches, and if this rumor is true, we might expect more of this.
Honor has huge battery plans
A year ago, Honor detailed a stronger focus on phone batteries. We've seen much of this thus far. At the time, the company said it was developing 7,020mAh-7,200mAh batteries for its flagships; however, we've seen that pushed to over 8,000mAh with the Magic 9 Pro Max. Even the company's mid-ranges were said to find a place between 8,200mAh-8,400mAh.
All of this comes off the back of its silicon-carbon tech. We reviewed these details, discovering that Honor's tech will have "higher density." In short, it keeps the hardware smaller (thinner) while increasing its total capacity. It's a great way to not make overly bulky phones, but still make good on what consumers want: bigger batteries. The folks at Android Headlines reminded us of another Honor device: the Win RT 2 gaming phone. That phone offers a 12,070mAh battery. Hearing this rumor that pushes things to 15,000mAh at the highest, maybe it's not too far-fetched.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/OvLH4aC
via IFTTT
All four Galaxy S27 models have reportedly appeared in an import-export database, revealing their expected chipsets.
The Galaxy S27 Pro could use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 instead of the more powerful Extreme variant found in the Ultra.
The Galaxy S27 Pro could feature a 6.5-inch display, sitting between the 6.3-inch S27 and 6.9-inch S27 Ultra.
We're slowly inching toward the new year, which means it's almost time for Samsung's next-generation Galaxy S flagship phones. And now, a new leak suggests that the upcoming Galaxy S27 Pro could miss out on Qualcomm's most powerful flagship chipset.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S27 lineup in Q1 next year. As leaked renders have already revealed, the company appears to be taking some inspiration from Apple's iPhone, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra reportedly moving away from its familiar vertical camera layout in favor of a horizontal camera plateau.
There's also expected to be one more addition to the Galaxy S27 lineup in the form of the Galaxy S27 Pro. The new model will reportedly bring several Galaxy S27 Ultra features, including Privacy Display, to a smaller form factor without the S Pen. However, it looks like the Pro could still fall behind the Ultra in one important area: the chipset.
As spotted by Notebookcheck, all four Galaxy S27 models have reportedly appeared in the NBD import-export database. The listings mention the Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Plus, Galaxy S27 Pro, and Galaxy S27 Ultra, alongside details about the chipsets expected to power them.
(Image credit: Android Headlines)
According to the listings, the Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus will be powered by Samsung's own Exynos 2700 chipset. The Galaxy S27 Ultra, meanwhile, is expected to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor. That's not particularly surprising, considering Samsung has traditionally reserved Qualcomm's most powerful flagship chipsets for its Ultra models.
What's interesting, however, is that the Galaxy S27 Pro is reportedly listed with the regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 rather than the more powerful Extreme variant.
When Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series earlier this year, the company introduced two versions of its flagship chipset, one with the Extreme branding and another without it. The Extreme variant sits at the top of Qualcomm's lineup, offering clock speeds of up to a whopping 5GHz.
But it looks like the Galaxy S27 Pro could miss out on that top-tier processor. Instead, Samsung may use the slightly lower-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, although the chipset is still built on the same 2nm process architecture.
(Image credit: Qualcomm)
One possible reason could be thermal management. Since the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to offer many of the Ultra's features in a smaller body, Samsung may have opted for a slightly lower-clocked chipset to keep temperatures under control. However, that's just speculation for now.
The base Galaxy S27 will reportedly retain its 6.3-inch display, while the Galaxy S27 Plus will continue with a 6.7-inch screen. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to feature the same massive 6.9-inch display, while the new Galaxy S27 Pro could sit somewhere in between with a 6.5-inch panel.
That would make the Galaxy S27 Pro a pretty interesting addition to Samsung's flagship lineup, especially for people who want some of the Ultra's features without carrying such a large phone.
Of course, we're still a few months away from the Galaxy S27 series launch, and plenty could change before Samsung makes everything official. But if this leak turns out to be accurate, the Galaxy S27 Pro may not be quite the smaller Galaxy S27 Ultra that some buyers were hoping for.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/BFlMQbV
via IFTTT
I don't think any smartphone has ever been quite as polarizing as the iPhone Duo. After years of waiting for Apple's first foldable, the result is a phone that borrows some lessons from its Android counterparts, ignores plenty more, and feels like Apple is still figuring out what customers actually want from a foldable. Yet, despite some questionable decisions, I can't put it down. That contradiction is what makes the iPhone Duo so fascinating.
My verdict hinges on one factor I think many hardware comparisons overlook: the hidden superstar of Apple's developer ecosystem. It's both a blessing and a curse for Apple's first foldable, but in very unequal proportions. There will be short-term pain as developers, Apple, and users figure out what's possible, but the long-term gain could be enormous.
Objectively, the iPhone Duo gets plenty right, and Apple's choices seem unnecessarily complicated in places, especially since Android manufacturers have spent almost a decade solving many of the same problems. As someone who uses iOS and Android side by side, I appreciate the desire for consistency across Apple's ecosystem. But consistency shouldn't come at the expense of functionality, and some of Apple's decisions feel like an attempt to reinvent solutions that already work.
And yet, I keep reaching for it. Its utility alongside my other Apple devices is difficult to overstate, and the polarizing D-shaped design has grown on me considerably. In fact, it might be my favorite form factor for one-handed use. That's quite a turnaround from my initial reaction. My first 15 seconds with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 told me I loved it; the iPhone Duo took considerably longer. But the destination was the same, and that's an important lesson: unless a design is fundamentally flawed, living with it can change your perception in ways a hands-on session never will.
The iPhone Duo is the perfect foldable for me
Nirave Gondhia
The inner display is another example. Here, I think Apple has pulled an absolute blinder. The nano-texture layer doesn't just make the crease less distracting; it transforms the screen's entire feel. There's a welcome friction under your fingertips that reminds me of reading on an Amazon Kindle or using TCL's NxtPaper displays. It's wonderful for reading, scrolling, and typing, and makes the experience feel easier on the eyes without compromising brightness. After two weeks, I haven't had a single concern about visibility on either display, even in challenging conditions.
Then comes the inevitable question: is it worth $2,000 or more? That depends almost entirely on what you want from it. For me, the value isn't simply having a folding screen. It's being able to progress coding sprints, access my Mac remotely, and keep working from virtually anywhere in the world, even on airplane Wi-Fi. It's the pocket-friendly, always-connected folding iPad I've wanted for years, though it could benefit enormously from some iPadOS-inspired software capabilities. It finally brings a level of multitasking and utility to an iPhone that changes how I use it. For me, that's worth the asking price, and the reactions from others I've shown it to suggest I'm not alone.
Apple has at least given its first attempt some reassuring foundations. IP68 dust and water resistance, a weight that's only around 50 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the reassurance of AppleCare all help make the compromises easier to live with. But this is still a first-generation product, and Apple's approach will inevitably evolve. Samsung has had years to refine its foldables, and Apple is starting that journey considerably later. There is plenty of catching up to do, and I expect the next generations to be even slicker.
Ultimately, the iPhone Duo might be Apple's most divisive iPhone yet, but dismissing it for what it gets wrong misses what makes it so compelling. Like every first-generation foldable, it charts a different path, makes compromises, and delivers a novelty that established designs simply can't replicate. More importantly, Apple's ecosystem gives it room to grow in ways that extend far beyond the hardware: developers will discover new experiences, users will find new workflows, and missing features will gradually be replicated or surpassed.
The iPhone Duo isn't the perfect foldable, and it doesn't need to be. It's a glimpse of what happens when Apple's ecosystem finally meets a folding iPhone. There are plenty of reasons to wait for the second generation, but after two weeks, I know one thing: I don't want to put this one down. It might not be perfect for everyone, but it's pretty damn close to perfect for me.
One of the biggest surprises about the iPhone Duo is its starting price: $2,000 in the US and £2,000 in the UK. That's for the 256GB model, and surprisingly, it's lower than I expected.
All the rumors leading up to launch suggested a record-high price, or at least a higher starting point than the competition. Instead, the iPhone Duo seems relatively well-priced by comparison. It's $100 more than the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold 8, but $200 less than its taller sibling, although both of Samsung's foldables are currently available with sizable discounts.
Of course, 256GB is less storage than Samsung's double-your-storage launch promotion offers, and it falls short of the 512GB included with the Motorola Razr Fold, which starts at $1,899.99. Even accounting for any perception of an Apple tax, the premium seems surprisingly modest. By most comparisons, the iPhone Duo is fairly priced.
But how does it compare with Apple's own lineup? The iPhone Air is perhaps its closest match in terms of specifications and premium novelty, starting at $1,099. The new iPad mini costs $799, with a further $100 premium for the nano-texture finish. Put those together, and you're spending just $1 less than the iPhone Duo. It's hardly a scientific comparison, but it makes an interesting point: you're getting elements of both devices in one pocket-friendly package. If you were already planning to buy both, the iPhone Duo starts to look like a compelling proposition. I'd argue it's better value than its price tag might initially suggest.
The reactions from people I've shown it to largely support that. Three fellow passengers expressed genuine admiration; two immediately saw the utility and said they'd buy one for entirely different reasons, while the third felt it was simply out of her price range. Three small business owners I showed it to wanted one almost instantly, particularly after seeing how it could transform the way they run their businesses. I even encountered a brave parent who said they'd buy one, although with a six-year-old at home, that struck me as a rather bold investment!
Plenty of carrier deals are also worth considering, with all the major US carriers offering substantial trade-in credits to bring the cost down. Ten days after launch, the iPhone Duo is still sold out online, with deliveries pushed back until late January. In-store availability continues to fluctuate faster than a politician changes their stance.
Everyone should copy the iPhone Duo’s nano-texture screen
There, I said it: Apple’s implementation of nano-texture is so enjoyable that I hope every foldable manufacturer copies it. Apple wasn’t the first to bring nano-texture to consumer devices, but its implementation on the iPhone Duo is a genuine differentiator, and for reasons that go well beyond the specifications.
The first is visibility. Apple seems to have understood something important about foldable screens: it’s not necessarily the crease depth that matters, but how much you notice it. The Oppo Find N6 might have the shallowest crease of any foldable, but the iPhone Duo’s nano-texture finish makes its crease far less distracting in everyday use. Apple hasn't eliminated the compromise; it's made it easier to forget.
The same philosophy applies to the under-display camera. Frankly, it isn't very good, but that's almost beside the point. Most of the time, you forget it's even there because it blends so seamlessly into the screen. It's a trade-off I’m happy to make: a less intrusive camera and a less noticeable crease, even if neither is technically the best implementation available. Sometimes the better experience isn't the one with the better specifications.
The iPhone Duo proves that sometimes the better experience isn't the one with the better specifications
Nirave Gondhia
Beyond that, the display itself is excellent. The nano-texture finish covers a 7.6-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, which is a lot of letters to describe the premium screen you'd expect at this price. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness in bright conditions. The unusual 1.42:1 aspect ratio is particularly interesting for multitasking, allowing two vertical apps to sit side by side. Or, as we'll explore later, it lets Apple retain a side rail while dividing the remaining space into two smaller iPhone-like experiences. The 5.4-inch cover display retains a similar aspect ratio and many of the same premium characteristics, albeit without the nano-texture finish.
Over the past two weeks, I've used the iPhone Duo on planes, trains, and automobiles, both at home and abroad, and one thing has become abundantly clear: both displays are a joy to use. I haven't encountered any brightness or visibility concerns, regardless of the conditions. There have been reports of display failures, as there are with other foldables, but it's too early to draw meaningful conclusions about their frequency or long-term durability.
Ultimately, this is the big iPhone display, or pocketable folding iPad, I've been waiting for. The specifications are impressive, but what makes it special is how little you notice the technology getting in the way.
For a $2,000 phone, the iPhone Duo has a surprisingly ordinary camera system. It's not bad, far from it, but it's a clear reminder that even Apple's first foldable comes with compromises, and cameras are among the biggest.
Foldables have always involved trade-offs, particularly when it comes to camera hardware. The smaller passport-style designs are even more constrained by space, which helps explain why Samsung and Apple have opted for two rear cameras rather than three. But Huawei and Xiaomi have already demonstrated that you can fit a triple-camera system and a sizable battery into a similarly compact foldable. It's clearly possible; Apple has simply chosen different priorities, and I suspect most Western manufacturers will continue down the two-camera path for now.
In everyday use, the iPhone Duo's cameras are good, but rarely great. Like the iPhone Air, it lacks a capable dedicated zoom camera, and while the 2x in-sensor crop on the main sensor helps, it's no substitute for a proper telephoto lens. You're not buying the Duo for its cameras. That said, photos at standard focal lengths are more than good enough for most situations, and the foldable design brings its own advantages. Using the rear cameras for selfies, with the cover screen doubling as a viewfinder, is particularly useful.
The iPhone Duo has modern iPhone cameras, just not the best cameras that Apple makes.
Nirave Gondhia
The 48MP main and ultrawide cameras match those in the iPhone 17, with the main camera also serving as the iPhone Air's sole rear shooter. These aren't old or outdated sensors, and they deliver results broadly comparable to the equivalent cameras in the iPhone 17 Pro. But they fall short of the more advanced 48MP variable-aperture system in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The distinction matters: you're getting capable, modern iPhone cameras, just not Apple's best.
The selfie cameras tell a similar story, although there's an interesting twist. The 4MP under-display camera on the inner screen works for video calls in good lighting, but its quality drops quickly in challenging conditions. Treat it as a convenience feature, not a camera you'd choose for anything important.
1xNirave Gondhia2x Nirave Gondhia3xNirave Gondhia
Far more useful is the 12MP Center Stage camera above the cover display. Although it has a lower resolution than the 18MP selfie cameras on Apple's other recent iPhones, it retains the clever square, multi-aspect sensor. That means you can capture portrait or landscape photos and videos without physically rotating the phone. Combined with the Duo's flexible hinge, it's particularly handy for hands-free video calls in tent mode.
Ultimately, the iPhone Duo's camera system is perfectly capable, but it's difficult to call it flagship-worthy at this price. Apple has prioritized the folding experience over photographic versatility, and while that's a compromise I can live with, anyone expecting Pro-level photography from a $2,000 iPhone should look elsewhere.
If you've been fearing the iPhone Duo's battery life, fear no more: it's excellent. In fact, despite having a battery capacity similar to its closest Samsung rival, it lasts several hours longer in my testing.
Apple doesn't officially disclose battery capacity, but estimates put it at around 4,883mAh, split between both halves of the phone, as is typical of foldables. If accurate, that's slightly larger than the 4,800mAh battery in the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold 8, although both pale in comparison to the 6,000mAh battery inside the Xiaomi 18 Fold.
The difference is in endurance. With mixed usage, the iPhone Duo consistently lasts around 13–14 hours, compared with roughly 11 hours for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. That's a substantial improvement from a battery that's only marginally larger, and likely reflects Apple's software optimizations and the efficiency of its C2 modem, although isolating their individual contributions would require further testing.
It's much closer to the larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which manages 14–15 hours with its 5,000mAh battery. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold trails at around 12 hours, while the Motorola Razr Fold also delivers roughly 14–15 hours. I haven't finished testing the Xiaomi 18 Fold, but none of these devices match the Oppo Find N6 or Honor Magic V6, both of which have achieved around 18 hours in my testing.
Apple has also made an interesting engineering trade-off. Unlike several Android manufacturers, including Samsung, which adopted silicon-carbon battery technology for the first time with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, Apple has stuck with conventional lithium-ion cells. The Duo is approaching the practical capacity limits of that technology within this form factor, so Apple appears to be relying on efficiency and a slightly thicker chassis to deliver competitive endurance. Given the results, that's a trade-off I'm happy with.
The iPhone Duo proves that battery efficiency matters more than battery capacity.
Nirave Gondhia
Charging is similarly reassuring. The iPhone Duo supports up to 60W wired charging, although thermal constraints prevent it from sustaining that peak. Using a MacBook Pro charger and an Apple USB-C cable rated for 60W, I recorded 43% charge in 15 minutes and 68% after 30 minutes. That's competitive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and most other foldables I've tested, although the Duo appears to reduce charging speeds earlier and falls slightly behind some rivals by the half-hour mark.
There's also support for 25W magnetic wireless charging, complete with built-in magnets and Qi2.2 compatibility. It's a welcome convenience, particularly on a foldable where built-in magnetic alignment isn't always a given.
Ultimately, I have zero complaints about the iPhone Duo's battery life or charging. This is where the benefits of Apple's thicker design become particularly clear: you're trading a little sleekness for excellent endurance, fast charging, and everyday convenience. If Samsung takes a similar approach with the presumed Galaxy Z Fold 9, particularly by adding built-in magnets, I'd have very few complaints.
Apple nailed the iPhone Duo hardware in a few key ways
There's something particularly interesting happening with Apple's recent iPhones: the company has made enormous strides in battery life and connectivity. Bigger batteries explain some of that progress, but a handful of less obvious hardware decisions are making just as much difference.
Two of the most important are the Apple C2 modem and N1 wireless networking chip. The former is Apple's second-generation in-house cellular modem, replacing the third-party solutions it previously relied on. Having tested both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo extensively, I've noticed one particularly meaningful improvement: network connections feel considerably more stable and reliable.
It's a difference that's hard to appreciate from a specifications sheet but immediately noticeable in daily use. My iPhone 18 Pro delivered substantially better battery life than the iPhone 17 Pro on the same networks, and I've seen similarly impressive endurance from the Duo. The C2 modem likely contributes to that efficiency, while the N1 brings more of Apple's wireless connectivity hardware under its own control. Together, they represent an increasingly important advantage, although separating their individual contributions would require more controlled testing.
Then there's the A20 Pro chip, which is absurdly powerful. The iPhone Duo flies through everything I've thrown at it, without a single noticeable slowdown or stutter. More importantly, that performance enables experiences that distinguish it from a conventional iPhone, including driving the cover and inner displays simultaneously. It's not simply about benchmark scores; it's about having the headroom to make a folding iPhone feel effortless.
Not every hardware decision is quite as successful. The earpiece sits above the cover display, and I've repeatedly found myself misaligning it with my ear when answering calls. Perhaps it's muscle memory from using larger phones, but I didn't encounter the same issue as often with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. I usually have AirPods in anyway, so it's hardly a dealbreaker, but it's worth mentioning if you frequently make handheld calls.
iPhone Handoff makes me want to own two iPhones
(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)
Finally, there's iPhone Handoff, and this might be one of Apple's most underrated new features. On supported carriers, it lets you seamlessly transfer your active SIM connection between two iPhones as you switch devices. My UK carrier, EE, supports it, and moving between the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo has been remarkably slick. It's the sort of experience that feels quintessentially Apple: a complicated technical process made almost invisible to the user.
Everything important already syncs between my iPhones, but Handoff removes one of the last remaining inconveniences of using two devices. I no longer need a separate SIM or mobile plan for each phone; my connection simply follows whichever one I'm using. If you want the iPhone 18 Pro's cameras and the Duo's folding versatility without juggling multiple numbers or subscriptions, this makes that combination far more practical.
Apple hasn't nailed every aspect of the iPhone Duo, but the combination of reliable connectivity, effortless performance, and seamless device switching makes a compelling case for the hardware choices it has made. These aren't necessarily the features that sell a phone in a store, but they're the ones that make you appreciate it every day.
Here's where the iPhone Duo positively outshines every other foldable: Apple's ecosystem, and specifically the developer relationships it has spent nearly two decades cultivating. The company that popularized the mobile app store was always going to lean on third-party developers to unlock new experiences for its first folding phone. That strategy is both its greatest advantage and, at least initially, a double-edged sword.
Apple's developer ecosystem is its hidden superstar
(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)
(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)
At launch, relatively few apps were optimized for the Duo. Black bars, awkward layouts, and wasted space were particularly jarring on the large inner display in portrait orientation, and Apple understandably received plenty of criticism. But the situation is already changing rapidly. Less than two weeks after launch, with millions of devices still awaiting delivery, more than a thousand apps have reportedly been optimized for the Duo's unusual form factor.
I've also spoken with several developers behind apps I use regularly, and many told me that delayed device deliveries have prevented them from fully exploring what's possible. Crucially, though, they already have substantial updates planned, including features designed specifically around the Duo's folding screen.
Apple built the framework. Now it's giving developers a canvas to reinvent the folding phone
Nirave
This is what makes Apple's approach so compelling. It has built the framework and handed developers a new canvas on which to experiment. There are already playful examples that let you make toasties, pour a drink, or play Battleship, alongside a growing number of genuinely useful optimized apps.
There's also an interesting knock-on effect: as developers rethink their interfaces for the Duo, some of those improvements could eventually benefit Android foldables through cross-platform apps. Of course, the reverse is already true in places. British Airways, for example, works particularly well on Android foldables, while its iPhone Duo app remains poorly optimized. Apple's ecosystem has enormous potential, but that doesn't mean it's ahead in every individual app today.
Multitasking is limited, but fundamentally different
Then there's multitasking. Finally, we have an iPhone that can properly run two apps at once, and Apple has adopted an iPad-like split-view layout. As expected, though, it's a fundamentally different experience from Android multitasking: inferior in several ways, but arguably better in one particularly important respect.
Let's start with the limitations. You can't resize the split between apps; it's an even, side-by-side division or full-screen, with nothing in between. There's no advanced window management, floating apps, or support for more than two simultaneous applications. By comparison, the Xiaomi 18 Fold can run six or more apps in independently resizable windows. If flexibility is your priority, Android remains comfortably ahead.
But here's where Apple has done something clever: multitasking on the iPhone Duo isn't really about running two apps side by side. It's about turning one large screen into two iPhones running side by side.
Each half effectively behaves like the Duo's cover display, allowing you to run an app on one side while continuing to use your phone normally on the other. That includes interacting with the home screen and widgets, rather than being locked into two active applications. It's a subtle distinction, but one that makes the experience feel immediately familiar to anyone who already uses an iPhone.
The iPhone Duo doesn't just run two apps side by side. It turns one screen into two iPhones.”
Nirave Gondhia
And it works. I use multitasking extensively on the Duo, particularly when cross-referencing information between apps or keeping one task visible while working on another. I'd still love the flexibility Android offers, but Apple's approach makes a surprising amount of sense for its existing interface.
Eventually, more capable AI assistants might make some of these manual workflows unnecessary. Siri has improved significantly, but I still find myself using it far less than the AI features on my Android devices, and we're nowhere near that future yet.
For now, the Duo offers a distinctive compromise: less freedom than Android, but a familiar, genuinely useful multitasking experience that feels designed around how people already use their iPhones. It's another example of Apple prioritizing consistency over flexibility, and while I don't agree with every limitation, I can see why it made that choice.
The iPhone Duo is my favorite first-generation foldable
This will come as no surprise: I love the iPhone Duo. It's far from the perfect foldable, and it has many of the quirks you'd expect from a first-generation device, but it's also one of the most thoroughly enjoyable phones I've ever used.
Apple's ecosystem plays a huge role in that, particularly the developers who build experiences you simply can't find elsewhere. But there's also the wonderful nano-texture display, the surprisingly useful form factor, and, yes, the sheer novelty of a folding iPhone. Some of that novelty will inevitably wear off, but for now, the Duo feels every bit as special as Samsung's first foldable did at launch, or as the passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold 8 did more recently. The iPhone 18 Pro is a better phone, but the iPhone Duo is a better experience.
Apple could have made plenty of different decisions, and I've spent much of this review explaining where I wish it had. Yet, somehow, its first foldable has become my favorite iPhone ever.
The iPhone 18 Pro is a better phone, but the iPhone Duo is a better experience.
Nirave Gondhia
That's the distinction that matters most to me. Like the larger display of the iPhone 6 or the all-screen design of the iPhone X, the Duo represents a meaningful shift in how an iPhone looks and feels. But unlike those transitions, its larger folding screen offers possibilities that should continue expanding as developers discover what to do with it.
Of course, you should never buy a phone solely for its future potential. The iPhone Duo is already an excellent all-around device today, albeit one with obvious trade-offs and a price that demands serious consideration. It's improving with every passing day, and I expect that evolution to continue for years.
I have no regrets about buying it. You might decide its compromises aren't worth the asking price, and that's entirely reasonable. But for me, the Duo has done something few phones manage anymore: it's made using an iPhone feel genuinely exciting again.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/lChvSJ2
via IFTTT
