The iPhone Duo has certainly got people talking (read: feverishly debating). While some are already forming an orderly line to pre-order Apple’s first foldable phone, others have been vocal in their criticism of Apple's first foldable phone and what you don't get for $2,000.

Tom’s Guide’s global editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer broke down some of the trade-offs of the Duo in this YouTube video, pulling out the Duo’s camera, lack of Face ID, weight, battery life and price as areas of concern. In response, 329 viewers left comments on the video, and 176 commented on our related Reddit post.

For some, certain specs seem to be dealbreakers, while others expressed they’re excited to become day one adopters of the new tech regardless.

Let’s dig into the crowd reaction – and please do leave your thoughts in the comments and poll below.

“Just because it's $2k doesn't mean it needs top shelf cameras”

Mark pointed out the Duo doesn’t have a telephoto camera, so zoomed photos will look blurrier than those from the iPhone 18 Pro Max (which by the way costs $800 less and also has the new variable aperture). The price-to-camera quality equation is definitely one that feels a little off, and it was this point that attracted the most opinions from our YouTube viewers and Redditors.

@EricK-vw5wh was one viewer who wasn’t too concerned by the camera, writing, “I think people need to remember that these things are smartphones, not dedicated cameras. Nowadays people act like these are digital cameras that just happen to have cellular phone feature if you want it. Just because it's $2k doesn't mean it needs top shelf cameras. You want that, get the Pros, that's what they are made for. Folding phones are meant for productivity and content consumption.”

But @FairchildV countered that the camera was an issue for them, replying, “It doesn’t need ‘top shelf’ cameras. But, I fully expect a pro camera for $2,000… For people that actually care about their photo and video quality, this could be a huge deal breaker unfortunately.”

Over on Reddit, FarBack5807 wrote, “For anyone who zooms in on things, the lack of telephoto means the duo is considerably worse at 25% the resolving power of the 17 Pro, and even worse than 14 Pro at 66% of its resolving power.”

Similarly, Throwtheamiibosaway wrote, “I kinda like the Duo. But I’m not paying top dollar for a worse camera. That’s the biggest issue.”

Rounding off the camera debate, I found this comment from @itsacookie1 on YouTube a very sensible reality check: “I think we all want the security of having the best cameras in our pocket but most of us just don't take photography seriously or post to social media enough that it matters. It's a hard choice or trade-off because we all have been conditioned to more money = better cameras as this is how ‘pro’ or bigger phones have been marketed for decades.”

It's worth mentioning at this point that when asked simply 'Would you buy the iPhone Duo?', some 63% of respondents (or 3,429 people) replied that yes, they would. Are you tempted by the Duo, or one of the other new iPhones?

Is Touch ID even a downgrade, really?

The Duo lacks Face ID as there wasn’t physically space in the form factor for the required sensors. Instead, users need to use Touch ID to unlock the phone — a tech that was phased out with the advent of the iPhone X. But is the older tech necessarily a downgrade?

@Tejae504 posted a comment that I can relate to, “I [would rather have] Touch ID when I get up at 6am my phone doesn’t recognize me 😂”

Indeed, if you’ve ever had a bad hair day, dabbled in a new makeup look or dared to try unlocking your phone while wearing sunglasses, you’ll know that Face ID isn’t always seamless. Then again, as we approach gloves season I remember that neither was Touch ID.

Another viewer unperturbed by the manual unlocking was @chocoloco9985, who said, “For lack of Face ID, yeah it sucks, but if I can unlock it with my Apple Watch I don’t think it will be that big of an issue.”

Many commenters pointed out that Apple Watch wearers will barely notice the "downgrade," as their watches will unlock the phone automatically anyway.

On the other hand, @g0nk wrote, “No FaceID is my dealbreaker. My arthritic fingers can't touch that sensor every single time.”

Nobody needs 45-hour battery life anyway

Looking into the battery life, Mark pointed out that Apple estimates the iPhone Duo is good for 24 hours of ‘normal use’ vs the Pro Max’s 30 hours.

This gap widens when it comes to video playback, when the Duo’s stamina is rated at 31 hours vs the 18 Pro Max’s 45.

Could this become an irritation for some users, especially as this is a phone marketed for multitasking?

@dlsme wrote on this point, “Anyone with a job or that needs rest is never going to use the phone for a video playback for that many hours. It’s a superficial first world problem, people are just looking for something to be upset about.”

2 for the price of 1

A lot of viewers really did take the trouble to use our advice to help weigh up their next upgrade decision. One thoughtful comment from @Heartlessgamer_3242 said, “Unless you take pictures all the time, especially zoomed in, or are some kind of photographer using the Apple iPhone, the iPhone Duo is not a downgrade as a whole compared to the Pro/Pro Max.

"If you care only about the camera, then yes. But for someone like me that multitasks on the device and watches a lot of content and movies, I prefer the bigger screen and dual screen. And if not using the dual screen, I can close it and still have an active screen to use on the fly. I also don’t want an iPad and iPhone if now we have both in one.”

Whether the compromises are worth it for a device that can potentially replace two for the price of one is, in a nutshell, the decision facing iPhone Duo purchasers.

As Apple’s first foray into foldables, it’s not perfect, but as @out_of_focus_foto simply said, “I regret not buying the first iPhone when it was released. First gen isn’t that big of a deal.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• Planning to buy the iPhone Duo? Here's how to get one on pre-order day
• I 'downgraded' my iPhone 15 Pro Max to a regular iPhone 17 — and I have zero regrets
• You don't need the iPhone Duo — this iPad mini Prime Day deal is the reason why

In my last face-off, I drilled down into all the differences between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max. There wasn’t a huge difference across the two-year gap separating them — but now I’m going further by taking the iPhone 15 Pro Max for a spin.

As I’ve said numerous times before, three years is the bare minimum you should wait before thinking about upgrading to a new phone. That’s exactly what I’m tackling in this iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off, where the differences on paper are much more substantial.

But looking at specs doesn't give a clear-cut indication of how much of a difference three years actually makes. That's why I’m going to show you whether there’s enough of a generational leap to justify making the switch.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Specifications

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cameras

Just as before, camera performance is tops on my list because it’s the feature I rely on most. The iPhone 18 Pro Max clearly benefits from having the latest hardware — a 48MP triple-camera system complete with a mechanical variable aperture on the main lens. Other notable advantages for the iPhone 18 Pro Max include a wider maximum f/1.48 aperture that inherently allows more light to hit the sensor, as well as the wider field of view from its 18MP Center Stage front camera.

Beyond the hardware, the appeal of the iPhone 18 Pro Max lies in its Pro Controls for granular exposure adjustments, along with significantly improved video modes. For example, it can record 4K footage at 120fps and includes pro-video features I crave, such as Log recording, Cinematic mode, smart focus tracking, ProRes support, and Audio Mix.

From both a hardware and feature standpoint, the iPhone 18 Pro Max makes a compelling argument — enough to make an upgrade seem like an open-and-shut case. But hold that thought until you see the side-by-side snapshots below.

Honestly, I was hoping for a much wider divide between their camera performances, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max holds its ground in most situations. Under ideal conditions, the 15 Pro Max’s main and ultrawide cameras produce nearly the same results as the iPhone 18 Pro Max. You can see this in the daytime shots around Bryant Park, the macro flower close-up, the panorama, and even in how both phones neutralize harsh highlights.

Interestingly enough, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom actually delivers sharper results on the apartment building graffiti shown above. While the iPhone 18 Pro Max holds a clear advantage at 4x, the 15 Pro Max pulls out finer detail at 8x and 40x zoom by leaning on its dedicated telephoto shooter.

Where I do see a substantial leap is with the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s 18MP Center Stage camera. It captures noticeably crisper definition and provides a wider field of view, making it far better suited for group selfies.

Lastly, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the edge in low-light performance — but primarily in near-pitch-black settings. In the gallery shots along the beach boardwalk, there’s very little difference between them because ambient glow from the street lamps illuminates the scene.

But in my backyard where there’s virtually no ambient light, the iPhone 18 Pro Max clearly boosts shadows to draw out details that are otherwise lost on the 15 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery and charging

Because it’s a physically bigger device, Apple packs a much larger 5,391 mAh battery inside the iPhone 18 Pro Max — compared to 4,422 mAh in the 15 Pro Max. That translates to roughly a 22% increase in battery capacity, but our test results show that Apple has also made massive strides in power efficiency.

In our custom battery drain test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max clocked in at 18 hours and 27 minutes, which blows past the 15 Pro Max’s 14 hours and 2 minutes. That’s a 4-hour and 25-minute difference — a 31.5% improvement in endurance — that I credit largely to the efficiency of the A20 Pro chip. In day-to-day use, the difference is night and day.

Charging is also significantly faster across the board, both wired and wireless. In just 15 minutes over USB-C, the iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches a 53% charge, compared to just 20% on the 15 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Performance

Both phones feel fast and fluid during everyday tasks, thanks to their 120Hz ProMotion displays. But for more processor-intensive workloads — like editing 4K footage or playing demanding games — the newer A20 Pro chip holds a decisive advantage over the older A17 Pro. Simply put, there is no contest.

Looking at our Geekbench 6 scores, there's nearly a 2,000-point spread in single-core performance and a massive 5,800-point gap in multi-core. That translates to a 70.4% leap in single-core speeds for the iPhone 18 Pro Max and an even larger 84.2% boost in multi-core muscle.

While those CPU gains are substantial, the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s graphics performance is where the generational gap truly widens. In 3DMark’s Solar Bay Unlimited test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max averaged 67.9 fps, making the 15 Pro Max’s 23.9 fps look choppy by comparison. That represents an astonishing 184.1% leap in graphics capability — a gain bolstered by the 18 Pro Max's redesigned internal vapor chamber, a cooling advantage the iPhone 15 Pro Max lacks entirely.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Software and AI

I won’t spend too much time hashing out their software and AI features because they’re practically identical — save for a couple of details. That’s the beauty of Apple supporting older flagships with its latest platform update: iOS 27. The release brings the older iPhone 15 Pro Max to near-complete parity with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, delivering the Liquid Glass interface, refreshed customization tools, and core system tweaks.

The most visible functional difference comes down to the Dynamic Island and how many Live Activities it can handle simultaneously. Thanks to the redesigned, slimmer cutout on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, it accommodates up to three Live Activities — compared to just two on the 15 Pro Max.

Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro Max packs 12GB of RAM, granting it extra processing muscle for the most demanding, on-device Siri AI workflows. In day-to-day practice, however, these distinctions hardly tip the scales, as the iPhone 15 Pro Max retains full access to the broader Apple Intelligence suite.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Displays

Beyond the bump from a 6.7-inch panel to a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the biggest upgrade here comes down to raw outdoor visibility. In our display testing, the iPhone 18 Pro Max hit a peak brightness of 2,326 nits — compared to the 1,550 nits measured on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

That works out to a massive 50.06% increase in peak brightness, which is instantly noticeable when I’m outside with the sun glaring down on their screens. While the 15 Pro Max is still visible, the extra brightness just makes the 18 Pro Max much easier on the eyes.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Verdict

The evidence points to an obvious conclusion: the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers a substantial enough upgrade to convince at least some iPhone 15 Pro Max owners to make the leap — even with Apple asking $100 more for its flagship.

From the raw muscle of the A20 Pro chip and a battery that lasts more than four hours longer, to its upgraded camera hardware and professional shooting tools, this comparison proves that three years remains the sweet spot for upgrading. However, if your iPhone 15 Pro Max still offers good battery health, you can probably get by at least until Apple unveils the iPhone 20 next year.

While day-to-day photo quality remains neck and neck in most scenarios, the iPhone 18 Pro Max pulls away in other areas. Between the mechanical variable aperture on the main lens, dedicated Pro Controls, and an expanded suite of pro-grade video tools, it offers more than enough tangible upgrades to justify the jump for power users.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max side-by-side: Should you upgrade?
• 9 new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and more (Oct. 2-4)
• 4 ways Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 beats Apple iPhone Duo

Securing the iPhone Duo on pre-order day is going to be a battle. Between massive global interest in Apple’s first foldable and notoriously tight initial stock, opening inventory could disappear in seconds.

Pre-orders open strictly at 5:00 a.m. PT on Friday, October 16, ahead of the official October 23 launch across major international markets (with a secondary rollout starting October 30).

If you want to bypass long backorder delays and ensure your foldable lands on your doorstep on day one, here's the game plan to follow.

How to guarantee your iPhone Duo before pre-order day

1. Lock in "Get Ready" on Oct 12

Don't wait for pre-order day. Four days before the drop, Apple opens its pre-order portal. Head into the Apple Store app on October 12 to pick your color, storage capacity, carrier status, and payment method ahead of time — allowing you to complete the entire purchase with a single tap the moment the clock strikes 5:00 a.m.

2. Audit your Apple Account details today

A single wrong digit will knock you out of the queue. Verify that your credit card hasn't expired, your billing address matches your bank records, and your shipping address is up to date.

3. Secure your trade-in quote early

Navigating trade-in questions during checkout adds unnecessary screens to your purchase. Get your valuation sorted in advance to bypass those extra steps on drop morning. The 14-day clock to return your old phone only starts once your iPhone Duo is physically delivered.

4. Confirm your financing options

Apple retired its legacy Upgrade Program in mid-2026. If you financed your last device, check your account status now to see if you qualify for Apple Card Installments, carrier options, or a direct purchase.

5. Load the app on multiple devices

The Apple Store app usually goes live faster than the desktop website. Have the app open and ready on your phone, but keep a desktop browser open on Apple’s site as a secondary backup just in case.

6. Stick strictly to your saved setup

Once pre-orders open, load your saved configuration and hit pay. Avoid changing your color choice or storage size at the last second — altering your basket re-queries Apple’s live inventory systems and risks pushing back your shipping date.

7. Pivot to in-store pickup

If shipping dates start sliding into November during checkout, select local Apple Store pickup instead. Retail stores receive dedicated inventory allocations completely separate from warehouse delivery stocks, making it the ultimate safety net for launch-day possession.

8. Check launch-morning store stock

If you miss iPhone Duo pre-orders entirely, physical Apple Stores routinely save dedicated stock for launch day walk-ins on October 23. Check Apple's online store tracker early on launch morning to grab unallocated local store stock.

More from Tom's Guide

• iOS 27 has a hidden anti-scam setting — here’s why every iPhone user should turn it on
• There's a new shortcut in iOS 27 I’m using every single day — here's where to find it
• 4 new iOS 27 features that turn Apple Notes into a productivity powerhouse

Every few years, I get trapped in the classic Apple upgrade loop. Three years ago, I jumped up from an iPhone 12 Pro Max to a 512GB iPhone 15 Pro Max for its big screen and flagship camera specs. This year I was ready to do the same for the iPhone 18 Pro Max — until I saw the insane prices, even with trade-in values added in.

Making things urgent, my trusty iPhone was aging. Despite my best efforts, the battery health steadily declined over the years and a minor issue with the USB-C port popped up when charging it one day.

Thinking about having to pay nearly $600 for out-of-warranty repairs, $100 for a new battery, or dropping $1,000 for the latest iPhone 18 Pro Max, I decided to do something I’ve never done before: give up on the iPhone’s Pro tier altogether.

I traded in my 15 Pro Max and bought a base 256GB iPhone 17 instead. Sure, I might have given up storage space, camera features, and the screen might be smaller, but moving to a standard iPhone didn't feel like a downgrade from an older iPhone Pro model. Here’s why it was a relief to me, and my wallet.

The price conundrum

Times are tough, and with the cost of living going up in NYC, the biggest factor in my decision was the iPhone pricing. With Apple’s trade-in values, I get a lot for my old iPhone Pro model when trading it in for a base-tier iPhone 17. It almost felt like a steal.

While it would have been nice to get a new Pro iPhone again, the price didn’t make sense for my wallet. Trading in a 512GB iPhone 15 Pro Max for the same 512GB iPhone 18 Pro Max 512GB would have been $1,044 — with Apple paying me $455 in trade-in value. I had also considered the 512GB iPhone 18 Pro which would have been $944 with the same offer.

Dropping down to 256GB would have also saved me $200 from that on either model, bringing the 18 Pro Max down to $844 and the standard 18 Pro down to $744 after trade-in, but it was still steep.

I went for the iPhone 17 256GB instead, it was just $444 with the same $455 trade-in. I might have had to clean up apps and photos from my old iPhone before making the switch to 256GB, but I saved $600 compared to getting the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Or $500 vs getting the iPhone 18 Pro. Considering all the features the base iPhone 17 has to offer, this wasn’t too bad of a choice.

I still have plenty of 'Pro' features

The biggest appeal for the iPhone Pro series to me was always the bigger screen and the top-level features. As my life evolved, though, I realized that I didn’t need a huge screen. Moving away from the iPhone 15’s Pro Max 6.7-inch screen to iPhone 17’s base 6.3-inch screen was surprisingly seamless to me, and my new phone still felt like an iPhone Pro.

Those 0.4 inches in screen real estate didn’t make a huge difference for me. With super thin bezels on the iPhone 17, I still see the same content on screen in social media and work apps that I had before. And even better, the base iPhone 17 features ProMotion, so I got the same 120Hz refresh rates I am used to from my old phone.

I even got display upgrades! With the iPhone 17 topping out at 3,000 nits vs the 2,000 nits, my new phone was brighter and better to use outdoors. The new ceramic Ceramic Shield 2 screen also gives the screen better durability, since I go for a case and screen protector free look.

Performance and battery life improvements were there, too. The new A19 chip also made things feel snappier than before. And despite the iPhone 17 having a slightly smaller 3,692 mAh battery against the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 4,422 mAh, I am now able to charge my phone only once every two days, something I never was able to do with my 15 Pro Max’s degraded battery.

I never realized that the base model iPhone could bring this much performance, display tech, and battery optimization from an older Pro phone, it doesn't just feel like a great value, it still feels like a Pro-level experience.

The camera is just fine

My biggest reason for always buying a Pro iPhone was the extra telephoto lens. The base iPhone 17 lacks that, so I was worried that I would regret losing it, but I didn’t. In fact, the iPhone 17’s camera system was an upgrade.

Thinking back, the only times I found myself using my telephoto lens was at Mets games or other in-person events. Even then, the photo quality was not as good as a dedicated camera and it was just something I used occasionally. For everything else I do, the dual camera system on the iPhone 17 has been just as good for taking pictures for social media, product shots for work, and everyday video recording.

What's more notable to me, though, was the Center Stage front camera. Being able to tap to zoom and rotate made my Facetime calls with my long distance friends more personal. Selfie videos were much more stabilized than on my previous iPhone, and the dual capture feature has been a blast when capturing video moments around the city for my friends in other states.

You might want to make the switch, too

With Apple hiking prices across the entire iPhone lineup, trading in an older, degrading iPhone for a new base model might be your best option. You might end up like me: stepping back and considering what you truly need from a phone before buying. Not everyone needs “Pro” features, and given how capable base iPhones have become, the distinction between models is clearer than ever — so a base model might be the upgrade you didn't realize you needed.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max side-by-side: Should you upgrade?
• 9 new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and more (Oct. 2-4)
• 4 ways Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 beats Apple iPhone Duo

Late last week, we reported on a slew of iPhone 18 Pro Max issues, including one that affected cellular connectivity for AT&T versions of Apple's newest phone.

Unfortunately, in an update from Apple, you might need to replace an affected iPhone 18 Pro Max at the Apple Store.

Simply put, brand-new Pro Max phones were starting in SOS mode and not connecting to AT&T's network, or they were operating slowly when they did connect. AT&T acknowledged the problem and told Tom's Guide that the carrier was working with Apple on it.

"Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right," an AT&T spokesperson said.

At the time, both Apple and AT&T were encouraging iPhone 18 Pro Max owners to update to iOS 27.0.1, which was meant to fix the issue.

"We released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update now, and are also issuing a carrier settings update today," an Apple spokesperson told Tom's Guide. "These updates together are meant to help prevent this issue from occurring.”

However, if you already have an affected device without service, you can't reactivate it via software. Apple confirmed that you will need to go to an Apple or AT&T store to get a hardware replacement.

Tom's Guide was told that this issue has only been observed with the iPhone 18 Pro Max on the AT&T network. We have reached out to AT&T to confirm the information that we received from Apple.

Notably, the US version of the Pro Max is the only new iPhone that utilizes a Qualcomm cellular modem. The Pro model and iPhone Duo feature Apple's in-house-designed C2 modem. However, it's unclear whether that is causing the problems, since no other carrier appears to be affected.

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• Apple issues emergency update for millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs — update your devices now
• Apple's HomePad reportedly coming Oct. 13 — 7 features you need to know
• 4 new iOS 27 features that turn Apple Notes into a productivity powerhouse

The iPhone 16 Pro is only a couple of years old and remains a very capable handset. But with the iPhone 18 Pro now out in the wild and offering several big performance improvements, many people may be weighing up whether it’s time to upgrade.

A good general rule of thumb is to upgrade every 3 or 4 years, but owners switching from an iPhone 16 Pro to Apple’s latest effort will immediately see a few changes. The camera island has become a camera plateau, the chassis has ditched titanium for aluminum and the Dynamic Island has noticeably shrunk.

Having used both phones, I can give you the full breakdown on how they compare in my iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro face-off. Back in 2024, the 16 Pro impressed on its debut with features like an upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera, 4K 120 fps slow-mo videos and Audio Mix. In 2026, the 18 Pro takes things to an even higher level — albeit for an increased cost. So, is it worth making the switch?

Read my full breakdown below to find out.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Specifications

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Price & Release

If you’re looking for pure value, then sticking with your older iPhone 16 Pro (or picking one up at a discount) is easily your best bet. When Apple launched it back in 2024, it came with a starting price of $999/£999/AU$1,799, which was the same price as the previous year.

Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for the iPhone 18 Pro. This year, Apple added an extra $100/£100/AU$100 to the price to account for rising DRAM costs as well as manufacturing costs associated with moving to a new chip architecture.

That’s slightly offset in this comparison because Apple raised base storage in 2025 from 128GB to 256GB. So although the iPhone 18 Pro is more expensive, you’re getting double the storage from the start. Regardless, if keeping costs down is your chief concern, then I’d advise holding onto the iPhone 16 Pro for another year at least — especially as Apple may have something interesting planned for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary next year.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Design

Apple made some notable changes last year, and while the changes between last year’s flagship and this year’s model are hard to spot, that’s not the case if you’re comparing the 18 Pro with the 16 Pro.

The two biggest design changes are the shift away from a titanium frame back to an anodized aluminum unibody used in the past and a new camera plateau. Let’s talk aluminum first. Abandoning titanium means the iPhone 18 Pro is liable to be more affected by scratches and scuffs than the older device. Also, because it’s a softer metal, you can expect the iPhone 18 Pro to be more prone to dents or dings if you happen to drop it and you don’t have it shielded by one of the best iPhone 18 Pro cases. Apple likely anticipated this, which is why the company has added Ceramic Shield toughened glass to the back of the iPhone 18 Pro.

However, Apple is able to do a lot more optimizing by switching back to anodized aluminum. For starters, the iPhone 18 Pro is lighter at 199g / 7.03 ounces compared to the 211g / 7.44 ounces iPhone 16 Pro. Secondly, because aluminum is a better heat conductor, Apple can use the entire chassis as a heat sink to manage the thermal output of the chip. To double down on this, Apple also added a vapor chamber as part of the design change that helps the phone achieve 40% better sustained CPU/GPU performance compared to a titanium frame.

In practice, I don’t notice the difference in hand between the aluminum and titanium construction. Although titanium has that “premium” connotation, I’m happy to trade that for better performance. Time will tell if the iPhone 18 Pro chassis holds up to scratches or any potential discoloration, but for the most part I keep my phone in a case so it’s unlikely to be an issue for me.

The camera plateau makes the iPhone 18 Pro ever so slightly more top-heavy in the hand than the iPhone 16 Pro, but Apple has balanced the weight evenly so you quickly become used to the upgrade. I personally don’t think it looks as good as a camera island but, as we’ll see, the camera upgrades that necessitated it are more than worth having a design that looks like it’s copying Google’s Pixel phones.

Finally, you get a fresh set of colors for the iPhone 18 Pro that some people may appreciate. I personally really liked the Desert Titanium color on the iPhone 16 Pro, but the Burgundy colorway is also growing on me. It looks a bit more refined in the flesh and, for those who have been wanting it for years, the iPhone 18 Pro finally comes with a matte black color option.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Display

The iPhone 18 Pro has the same 6.3-inch display size as the iPhone 16 Pro, with the same resolution (2622 x 1206) and pixel density (~460 ppi). However, the newer device has a higher peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits (compared to 2,000 nits on the 16 Pro), which is noticeable when outside and in direct sunlight. That's Apple's own numbers, you can see our testing results showing peak brightness with adaptive brightness switched on in the table below.

The extra brightness is made more effective by a specialized anti-reflective display coating Apple added for the 18 Pro. It reduces ambient glare and increases contrast in bright environments, and I appreciated it when I had both phones side-by-side outdoors.

As mentioned, you also get a smaller Dynamic Island on the 18 Pro that can give you up to three Live Activities at once. In practice, this didn’t impact much on my day-to-day interaction with the phone, but it’s nice to have that pill cutout made a little bit less invasive.

Otherwise, these are the exact same screens with Apple’s ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. So although in this regard, I’d hand the win to the iPhone 18 Pro, I wouldn’t consider the screen itself a reason to upgrade from the iPhone 16 Pro.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Cameras

If you’re a frequent photographer, you’re going to find the upgrades present in the iPhone 18 Pro the most tempting. For starters, Apple has upgraded the 12MP Telephoto camera from the 16 Pro into a full 48MP Fusion Telephoto camera that’s now capable of up to 8x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom.

Much of the excitement around the 18 Pro comes from mechanical variable aperture and native Pro-level controls in an iPhone for the first time. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro, which has a main camera fixed at f/1.78, the 18 Pro can move through four physical stops: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4. This means you can manually open the aperture in low light for a better shot or close it down to keep multiple subjects sharp across depths.

Accessing these controls is also now possible because Apple has, for the first time with the 18 Pro, added Pro Controls to its default camera app. Photographers can now make adjustments to things like shutter speed, ISO, white balance and manual focus. And that’s just in Apple’s own camera app. The company has said that third-party app developers will be able to utilize the mechanical aperture to offer a sliding scale rather than just the four physical stops Apple has predetermined.

Meanwhile, the 12MP selfie camera on the iPhone 16 Pro is also bested by the 18MP Center Stage camera on the 18 Pro that supports tap-to-zoom, rotation and Dual Capture, where you can record from the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Here's how the two phones stack up across a few different pictures side-by-side.

Starting with the main shooter, there's not a whole lot of difference to my eye between the two. Colors are nicely repurposed, but the iPhone 18 smooths out some of the crispness around the petals.

In this image, taken with each flagship's selfie camera, you can see the iPhone 18 Pro's 18MP Center Stage camera provides a wider field of view. While I think my skin tone is more even in the iPhone 18 Pro's shot, and the dynamic range is also better, I feel like the detail on my sweater is closer to true life on the iPhone 16 Pro image.

The two images above show the telephoto shooters on both phones. When you push the cameras to their limits — 40x on the iPhone 18 Pro and 25x on the 16 Pro — you can continue to see detail, like the outline of the brickwork around the lettering and the cracks in the wall.

The iPhone 18 Pro's zoom is obviously better but when the benefits of a digital zoom are up for debate and camera fans better informed than I will be able to speak to that. What I do think is that there's a washed out look to the iPhone 18 Pro's picture at that increased magnification that I don't see on the iPhone 16 Pro.

These are just a few small examples, and I still have more photos to take — particularly in low-light situations and experimenting with the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture. I'll update this article with more images when I have them, but it's clear both phones offer great dynamic range, detail, and color fidelity even before you start playing with the features.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Performance

Our review process has already shown that the new 2nm A20 Pro silicon inside the iPhone 18 Pro is a step-up in performance. If you’re regularly pushing an iPhone into demanding territory — like gaming or photo editing — you’ll notice faster loading times or quicker rendering. That’s not to say the A18 Pro inside the iPhone 16 Pro is sluggish, but as our testing results below show, there’s a huge gain, especially in graphical performance.

That being said, the iPhone 16 Pro was a performance powerhouse when it launched and it still carries some muscle. While interacting with apps is fast and painless with the iPhone 18 Pro, many users will be happy with the performance still offered by the older iPhone.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Battery & Charging

Apple increased the battery size for the iPhone 18 Pro to 4,056mAh over the 3,582mAh cell inside the iPhone 16 Pro. That’s a relatively minor 13% increase in capacity, but our real-world tests show that it makes a meaningful difference when you’re using the phone.

Apple was quick to point out during its keynote presentation that the iPhone 18 Pro contains the same battery longevity as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. So when you stack it up against a handset two years older, the difference is clear.

Our testing showed the iPhone 18 Pro averaged 16 hours and 17 minutes, substantially outlasting the 14 hours and 7 minutes from the iPhone 16 Pro. Not only do you get over two hours of extra power from the newer device, but you also get faster charging speeds.

The iPhone 18 Pro features upgraded 60W wired charging, nearly doubling the speed of the 16 Pro. In our tests, the 18 Pro took 15 minutes to reach 53% and 30 minutes to hit 80%. In those same timeframes, the 16 Pro charged to just 29% and 56%, respectively.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Software & AI

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro are both capable of running iOS 27 (the latter ships with it preinstalled) so there’s almost no difference in software. All of Apple’s AI tools, like Clean Up photo editing, Reframe, and interactive polls in Messages, are available on both phones.

It’s too early to definitively say that Siri AI is preferable to ChatGPT or Claude, but Apple has made Siri into a conversational assistant that answers questions and can respond to what’s on your iPhone screen. The most important thing is that it can tap into all the information on your phone to help you organize content, interact with apps and websites and respond to notifications. It’s a stepping stone towards agentic AI that anyone baked into the Apple ecosystem may appreciate.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Verdict

Although I can see some very worthwhile reasons for upgrading, notably the improvements in photography controls and a performance increase for mobile gaming, I’m not convinced you need to ditch the iPhone 16 Pro for the iPhone 18 Pro.

It’s wonderful to have manual photography controls on a Pro model iPhone, as well as better battery life and the benefits of the A20 Performance. But you could look at this in the context of an “S” model iPhone. Next year will likely be an even bigger upgrade, and with the iPhone 16 Pro hitting three years old, the case for switching up at that point will be much more enticing.

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Ever since Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo last month, just about everyone who’s seen and held it hasn’t stopped raving about the hardware. Between its thin profile and that seamless-looking inner display, the iPhone Duo could really be the one to convince people to make the upgrade to a foldable phone.

Yet, there’s one particular characteristic that has been stealing the conversation: the nano-texture coating on its 7.6-inch main display. I’ve watched enough videos in the past couple of weeks to know that its visibility can wash out, or appear unviewable, if it’s slightly off-axis. On camera, it looks like a catastrophic design flaw for a premium device.

I was concerned at first, but the more I thought about this intentional design, the less worried I became. Here’s why.

Reflection versus diffusion

The matte versus glossy conversation has been around for ages, but considering how the best phones are practically all fashioned with glossy panels, coming across one that has a matte display undoubtedly evokes surprise. But honestly, it boils down to how each handles ambient light: reflection versus diffusion.

Glossy displays, like the Super AMOLED panel Samsung’s leaned on for years with its phones, offer outstanding contrast, punchy colors, ultra-wide viewing angles, and most notably deep blacks, making it hard to tell if the panel’s on or not.

While they’re certainly vibrant, the major drawback is their reflectivity. Like a mirror, glossy glass bounces light sources and causes harsh glare under direct sunlight or overhead light fixtures.

Matte screens, by contrast, incorporate a textured or chemically treated surface designed to break up incoming light rays and diffuse them.

Obviously, the immediate benefit of matte displays is glare reduction — which inherently reduces eye strain in bright environments. The trade-off is that there can be a subtle loss of contrast, slightly raised black levels in bright rooms, and reduced clarity or color pop when viewed off-axis.

It’s a proven tech

While seeing a matte finish on a flagship smartphone feels novel, this isn't Apple experimenting with a piece of new tech just to see if it works.

In fact, Apple has refined its nano-texture displays across its hardware lineup for years now, consistently proving that it can mitigate reflections far better than glossy screens — all without sacrificing display performance.

For example, my colleagues tested the nano-texture option on the M4 MacBook Pro, and it proved to be an absolute game-changer, especially under direct sunlight. Just look at the side-by-side of the two competing display technologies above. When you’re interacting directly with these devices, your vantage point is of the utmost importance — not someone’s way off to your side.

We’ve seen similar payoffs across other Apple devices, like the premium Studio Display and high-end configurations of the iPad Pro. In just about every implementation, Apple has demonstrated that its nano-texture process avoids the muddy, low-contrast haziness typical of cheap matte films.

By bringing what it has developed and refined over the years to the iPhone Duo, Apple isn’t taking an experimental gamble.

iPhone Duo will still be a test

Apple faces a steep hurdle with the iPhone Duo because it needs to convince loyalists that a matte finish is an upgrade — not a downgrade.

For nearly two decades, every iPhone has relied on glossy glass to deliver the vibrant saturation, deep blacks, and eye-popping contrast users associate with Apple's Retina displays.

I completely understand the decision Apple made here. User visibility is paramount under harsh lighting conditions, especially when there’s far more screen real estate prone to glare and reflections.

By choosing a nano-texture display, Apple ensures that visibility won’t be an issue for anyone using its upcoming foldable. That’s a big reason why I appreciate gadgets with matte screens, like TCL’s NXTPAPER 70 Pro and NXTPAPER 14 tablet.

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We praised the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max as "obscenely powerful phones" in our full review of the new Apple flagship phones, but two weeks after they hit store shelves, the newest iPhone is launching with problems.

Two separate issues are reportedly affecting cellular connectivity and the speakers on the iPhone 18 Pro models. Fortunately, one of them already appears to have a fix.

And these are separate from the already-fixed iPhone 18 Pro Face ID freezing bug.

AT&T Cellular Connectivity issues

Last week, reports of cellular connectivity issues for AT&T customers started popping up on Reddit and the Apple Support Community forums. Basically, the new iPhones, especially the iPhone 18 Pro Max, were starting in SOS mode and not connecting to the AT&T network or were operating extremely slowly if they did manage to connect.

It appeared that some of the problems were with eSIM transferring from older phones or between accounts.

AT&T acknowledged the problem via a text message sent to impacted customers. The network carrier is urging customers to update to iOS 27.0.1.

An AT&T spokesperson confirmed the message to Tom's Guide.

Here's what the text says:

"Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions."

The spokesperson added, "Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right.”

Some users said that the iOS 27 update didn't fix the problem, but I've seen several comments suggesting that AT&T will swap your phone. Though that's proved contentious on whether Apple or AT&T will take responsibility for the swap.

Interestingly, the Pro Max is the only new iPhone featuring a Qualcomm cellular modem, while the Pro and iPhone Duo come with Apple's in-house-designed C2 modem. However, it's not clear if that's what is causing issues or if it's a software issue.

Tom's Guide was told that if you've experienced issues, you can go to an Apple or AT&T store for additional support. We've also reached out to Apple about the issue and will update this article if the company responds.

Popping speakers

The other issue that we can't confirm is a potential audio or speaker problem in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Users on Reddit and the MacRumors forums are reporting a crackling or "popping noise" emanating from the iPhone's speakers. One theory involves the earpiece speaker. One person described the sound as if someone is "pulling out a aux cord and you hear a brief click pop noise.

To be upfront, at Tom's Guide we have both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in for testing and were unable to recreate this issue on either phone.

"When setting it up I could hear a crackling sound coming from the speakers a few times and exchanged it," one person wrote. "I set up the second one all seemed good but i heard it again. This happen to anyone else?"

Some people reported that Apple and Best Buy told them it's likely a software issue.

We've also asked Apple about the speaker popping problem and will update if the company says anything.

Other issues

We've seen other reports of Control Center freezing, springboard and widget crashes, overheating and rapid battery draining, as well as strange camera colors.

However, it appears most of the issues have been resolved thanks to iOS 27.0.1. update.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, or something totally different, let us know in the comments!

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• 4 ways Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 beats Apple iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo is almost here, and there are lots of reasons to snatch up Apple’s first foldable phone come October 16 when pre-orders begin. It gives you a compact 5.4-inch phone and 7.6-inch mini tablet in one device, and it looks like an awesome option for those who want a more immersive viewing experience on the go along with dual-app multitasking — finally!

But as many in our comments have reminded me, Samsung has been making foldable phones for seven years. And that experience shows in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It has a similar passport-style design to the iPhone Duo, but it offers some pretty unique advantages over Apple’s device and could be the best foldable phone for you. If you’re on the fence about getting an iPhone Duo or Galaxy Z Fold 8, here’s where Samsung’s device could sway you.

1. It’s considerably thinner and lighter

I only played around with the iPhone Duo for about an hour between various hands-on sessions, but it definitely feels heftier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Sure, the iPhone Duo is technically the “thinnest iPhone ever,” at just 5.2 mm unfolded. That’s even less than the iPhone Air’s 5.64mm. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is only 4.5 mm.

When folded, the iPhone Duo measures 11.3mm thick, compared to 9.7mm for the Fold 8. For context, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is 8.75mm thick. So while the Duo will slip into a pocket with ease, it will take up some room.

In addition, the iPhone Duo weighs 8.96 ounces or 254 grams, while the Fold 8 is a feather light 7.09 ounces (201 grams). Samsung’s foldable is even lighter than the regular iPhone 18 Pro (7.44 ounces), which has a relatively tiny 6.3 inch display compared to the 7.6-inch panel on the Fold 8.

2. You can run more apps at once

I give Apple plenty of credit for making running two apps at once so seamless and intuitive on the iPhone Duo. You just select an app and then place it on the left or right side of the display. From there you can easily create app pairs and go back to them at any time. And it’s also a cinch to switch out apps; you just swipe up and go back to the home screen — it’s like having two distinct desktops.

However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 can let you run three tiled apps at the same time on screen. So, for example, I could have Gmail in one window, Slack in another and Spotify in another. It’s pretty cool. Plus, Samsung lets you put up to five floating windows on top. Now, eight apps at once seems like overkill to me, but it’s pretty amazing that you have that flexibility.

3. Gemini AI is more advanced

Siri AI is definitely improved in iOS 27, and it lets you do some pretty cool things on the iPhone Duo. You get better personal context understanding in all sorts of apps, including Messages and Notes. And there’s on-screen awareness, so you can say things like “add these items to my shopping list.” And I also appreciate that there’s finally a Siri mode in the camera app, so you don’t have to think about performing any shortcuts.

However, I think Galaxy AI and Gemini on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are not only more advanced but more tailored to the foldable experience. For example, Now Nudge gives you suggestions in Messages for apps that you can open in split-screen mode, such as Calendar.

And Gemini itself is just more versatile than Siri AI. You can share your live camera video in real time and get advice and troubleshooting tips. I did this when trying to figure out how to clean out battery corrosion from an outdoor flood light.

4. It’s $100 cheaper

The Galaxy Fold 8 starts at $1,799, which is $100 less than the iPhone Duo. Plus, there are already some pretty good deals out there. At time of writing I found the Fold 8 for just $1,649 on Best Buy, which is $250 off.

I’m sure there will be plenty of iPhone Duo pre-order deals around Apple’s launch as well, so you should be able to get it at a discount. But as of now the Fold 8 is a better value.

Where the iPhone Duo wins

As good as Samsung’s foldable is, there are several ways the iPhone Duo beats the Fold 8. For example, the iPhone Duo offers an IP68 rating for durability, which means it’s protected from both water and dust. Samsung’s phone is only water resistant.

In addition, the iPhone Duo offers MagSafe built in for wireless charging, Apple Pencil support and vapor chamber cooling, which will presumably help with sustained performance for Apple’s faster A20 chip.

But Apple’s biggest advantage will likely come with software and apps. The iPhone Duo’s software can react based on the position of the hinge while the Fold 8 lacks Samsung’s Flex Mode. And I expect a sizable wave of Duo optimized apps at launch, including Slack, Netflix and Zoom.

Bottom line

The iPhone Duo clearly has the most buzz, and it makes sense because Apple is entering a new category. But I wouldn’t overlook the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It feels so light and thin that it almost seems like Samsung cheated physics. And if you like the idea of multitasking on a big screen, the Fold 8 lets you run more apps at once. And while Siri is smarter than ever, Samsung and Google are in the lead with AI features.

So which foldable has your interest? Let us know in the comments.

Around this time of year, many iPhone owners ask themselves the same question: is it time to upgrade? That’s what I set out to answer in my iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max face-off. The two-year gap between models might tempt some current 16 Pro Max owners to make the jump, even though I generally recommend waiting at least three years.

In our iPhone 16 Pro Max review, we highlighted standout additions like Camera Control, an expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, and Apple Intelligence right out of the box — along with what turned out to be the lineup’s final 5x optical telephoto lens.

Fast-forward two years, and there are even more substantial changes detailed in our iPhone 18 Pro Max review, including a new variable-aperture main camera, the 2nm A20 Pro silicon, and next-gen Siri AI. But does a two-year cycle offer enough of a generational leap to justify retiring your trusty flagship?

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specifications

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Cameras

Let me cut to the chase and focus on what matters most in this matchup: the cameras. There are several significant hardware leaps that make a compelling case for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. First and foremost is the new 48MP main sensor featuring a mechanical variable aperture, giving photographers physical control over how much light hits the sensor.

That means more natural, optical bokeh without relying solely on software processing, along with the creative flexibility to dial in motion blur on fast-moving subjects or stop down to keep large group shots in razor-sharp focus from front to back.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max also boasts a faster maximum f/1.48 aperture, handing the new iPhone an inherent hardware advantage in challenging low-light conditions. Up front, you get an upgraded 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, a noticeable bump over the 16 Pro Max’s 12MP shooter. Even though the telephoto reach remains at 5x optical zoom across both phones, the 16 Pro Max is clearly out-spec'd across the rest of the camera array.

Beyond the optics, the real game-changer for the 18 Pro Max is the addition of native Pro Controls — which I consider just as big an upgrade as the hardware itself. Having manual exposure, shutter speed, and focus tools baked right into the stock camera app is a massive workflow win, sparing you the hassle of jumping into third-party apps just to take full control of your shot.

Based on all the snapshots I captured, I wouldn’t say that the iPhone 18 Pro Max has an overwhelming advantage purely on performance. Well, not enough to convince me to upgrade. Here’s why.

The beachfront shot above proves my point exactly. Both cameras handle the scene admirably, balancing the highlights and shadows without blowing out the sky. They also resolve nearly identical detail throughout the frame, from the sign along the railing to the grassy dunes in the far background.

At 4x zoom, it’s pretty clear that the iPhone 18 Pro Max holds a significant advantage. Finer details around the apartment building, like the bricks and graffiti, look sharper with more definition.

But when pushed to their outer limits — 40x on the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 25x on the 16 Pro Max — both manage to clearly resolve individual bricks surrounding the graffiti. Despite relying on an older 12MP sensor, the 16 Pro Max’s 5x optical reach holds its own, delivering enough clarity to closely match the 18 Pro Max’s upgraded 48MP telephoto shooter.

In broad daylight, both primary cameras consistently impress with wide dynamic range, crisp detail, and dependable color fidelity.

Speaking of dynamic range, you can see how cleanly shadows are lifted against the bright afternoon sky in my Bryant Park test shots above.

There are subtle variances in color reproduction: red bell peppers take on a deeper, punchier tone on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, though other shades across the Whole Foods produce display look nearly identical between the two.

Macro photography is well-handled on both handsets, provided you keep the phone steady and nail your focus point. That said, I give the nod to the 18 Pro Max for producing richer saturation and sharper petal textures.

Despite drastic lighting shifts across the panoramic scene, both phones stitch the frame cleanly into a seamless-looking panorama, balancing highlights and shadow areas to ensure an even final exposure.

For selfies, the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s new 18MP Center Stage camera delivers a noticeably wider field of view, making it ideal for group shots. Beyond that expanded framing, however, there’s very little difference in detail or processing to give the newer flagship a runaway victory.

When shooting in portrait mode, Apple’s subject-separation algorithms do an exceptional job cutting me out from the background while rendering a convincing, progressive optical falloff. Notice, for instance, how my foreground arm closest to the lens softens naturally into the blur.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battery and charging

Apple packs a substantially larger 5,391 mAh battery into the iPhone 18 Pro Max — roughly a 15% increase in capacity over the 4,685 mAh cell in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While a bigger battery doesn’t always guarantee a proportional leap in endurance, our proprietary battery drain test proves it does yield real-world gains.

That extra capacity helped the iPhone 18 Pro Max average 18 hours and 27 minutes, outlasting the 16 Pro Max’s already impressive 17 hours and 38 minutes by nearly an hour. Still, across a two-year generational gap, that works out to a modest 4.63% improvement in overall endurance. Where you’ll notice a much more dramatic difference is charging speed.

Thanks to upgraded 60W wired charging, the iPhone 18 Pro Max nearly doubles the charging pace of its older ancestor. In just 15 minutes the 18 Pro Max reaches 53% compared to the 16 Pro Max’s 29%. By the 30-minute mark, the 18 Pro Max surges to 80%, while the 16 Pro Max trails at 55%.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Performance

Frankly, there has never been an instance where I felt an iPhone was sluggish. Still, looking across our suite of synthetic benchmarks, it is undeniable that the A20 Pro is significantly more capable than the A18 Pro.

In Geekbench 6, the iPhone 18 Pro Max clocked a single-core score of 4,741 and a multi-core mark of 12,789 — outpacing the 16 Pro Max (3,386 and 8,306) by 40% in single-core and an impressive 54% with multi-core.

While those numbers highlight a substantial CPU leap between generations, graphics testing is where the iPhone 18 Pro Max truly pulls away. Running 3DMark’s Solar Bay Unlimited test, the 18 Pro Max hit an average frame rate of 67.9 fps (17,850 score) versus the 16 Pro Max’s 28.1 fps (7,396 score) — representing a massive 141% surge in graphical performance.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Software and AI

Because both phones run iOS 27, they offer practically the same everyday experience, core tools, and customizations. That means foundational Apple Intelligence perks — including Clean Up photo editing, Reframe, and interactive polls in Messages — are available across both devices.

The arrival of Siri AI in iOS 27 signals a major shift for Apple, making the assistant far more proactive with broader automation. For instance, it intelligently suggests creating reminders or calendar entries when someone mentions an upcoming event in Messages.

I’ve also been genuinely impressed with Siri AI in CarPlay because it lets me tackle hands-free tasks I previously couldn't manage safely, such as dictating quick impressions of a vehicle I’m testing from behind the wheel and reopening that same note later to add more details.

However, the most advanced Siri AI capabilities are exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max and leave the iPhone 16 Pro Max behind. Specifically, Siri’s new Expressive Voices and the upgraded advanced dictation system require hardware that only six iPhone models currently possess. The former gives Siri a far more human, conversational cadence, while the latter dramatically enhances voice-to-text accuracy by smartly filtering out vocal filler words like “ums” and “ahs”.

Ultimately, the beauty of Apple’s software ecosystem is that the core user experience remains remarkably consistent across generations — even in a two-year flagship matchup like this one.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Displays

On paper, both flagships look evenly matched. Each sports an expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate that keeps animations looking buttery smooth. In the real world, however, the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers an unmistakable visual upgrade the moment you step outdoors into direct sunlight.

In our lab testing, the iPhone 18 Pro Max reached an eye-searing 2,326 nits of peak brightness — the highest we’ve ever recorded on an iPhone, and a massive 68% jump over the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 1,385 nits. The practical advantage is immediate: web pages, camera framing, and video playback remain effortlessly legible with far fewer washed-out reflections bouncing off the glass.

Another welcomed change is the redesigned Dynamic Island, featuring a noticeably more compact cutout on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple also expanded its software utility, allowing up to three simultaneous Live Activities on the 18 Pro Max versus just two on the 16 Pro Max. While that extra Live Activity slot isn't a massive game-changer on its own, pairing it with such an immensely brighter panel makes the display a decisive win for the 18 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Verdict

I know firsthand how enticing a shiny new phone can be, but even with a two-year gap between these flagships, the case to ditch the iPhone 16 Pro Max for the 18 Pro Max isn’t entirely convincing. That’s even harder to stomach knowing you’ll have to pay more out of pocket thanks to a $100 price hike that pushes the iPhone 18 Pro Max to $1,299.

In my testing, the biggest areas of improvement come down to the A20 Pro’s exceptional processing muscle, along with key camera additions like the variable aperture and native Pro Controls. Beyond that, there simply isn't an overwhelming reason to justify making the leap.

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One of the drawbacks of foldable phones is that the interior display develops a more and more visible crease over time. Apple allegedly delayed the release of the iPhone Duo as the company tried to solve this problem.

Apple's VP of Hardware Engineering, Kate Bergeron, recently revealed one way that the company is combating creasing: replacement layers.

Per an interview with @angietutorials on TikTok, Apple made a replacement cover layer on the folding screen.

“The matte display coating does a really nice job of, I’ll say, minimizing the crease. But there’s a cover layer on top, and we’ve done a significant amount of engineering work to help that wear in as long a manner as we can, and to make sure that you get the most out of that layer’s performance," Bergeron said.

"It’s actually replaceable, which is a really nice thing for the customer, that you can peel off that layer and get a new one," she continued.

This layer, referred to as the Nano Texture "cover layer," is actually considered a separate part of the display per an AppleCare service cost listing spotted by tech YouTuber Quinn Nelson. This cover layer costs $19 for service, while inner display damage will set you back $99.

I have not seen any reporting or releases from Apple detailing replacement prices for uncovered phones though. If you keep the Duo for a while and the crease starts to bother you, it seems like Apple has a solution.

Let us know if the crease is a concern for you in the comments below and whether an inexpensive to replace cover layer would make a big difference.

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If, like us, you're excited about the upcoming iPhone Duo, then you're probably already thinking about how you can kit it out. That's where this page may come in handy. I've selected nine essential accessories and cases that will keep your expensive new toy in pristine condition.

From screen protectors and cases to essential chargers there are a few options to consider here. I've included mostly official Apple products, but there are also a few third party pieces to choose from too.

We also have a larger round up of iPhone Duo cases, and one for iPhone 18 cases too. So, without further ado, here are my nine picks.

The iPhone Duo isn't available yet, and pre-orders aren't set to open until October 16 — but that doesn't mean you won't see ads promising to let you pre-order the foldable. These ads are a scam, and you should avoid them at all costs.

Spotted by Malwarebytes, this scam promises buyers that they can save $500 by pre-ordering an iPhone Duo. I can see the appeal of that when the Duo starts at $2,000, but that's a big red flag. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but logic tends to go out the window when hundreds of dollars are on the line.

This isn't just your ordinary run-of-the-mill scam, though. Malwarebytes reports that the bogus pre-order page is actually using a leaked DarkSword exploit chain to try and crack into vulnerable iPhones. A successful version of this exploit attempts to steal any saved credentials, notes and crypto wallet data. This exploit targets iPhones running iOS 18.4 to iOS 18.6.2, but apparently the offending code shouldn't affect iPads or Macs.

The scary part? The exploit starts when you open the webpage. You don't need to download or click anything, nor do you have to fill out the fake pre-order form for things to start going south.

The page certainly looks legitimate. It has Apple's logos, font, copyright information and overall language style. Unlike a lot of scams there aren't any obvious typos or grammatical mistakes . However all the links to things like the privacy policy and terms & conditions don't actually go anywhere.

The fake pre-order form does feature some red flags, such as the mention of a "Natural titanium" color, despite the fact the iPhone Duo is only available in Start White and Night Sky (black). It also gets the dimensions wrong, listing size options of 6.3- and 6.9-inches, which are the screen sizes on iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The Duo only comes in one size, with a 7.6-inch foldable screen and 5.4-inch cover display.

But by that point it's already too late and the DarkSword exploit has already begun. However, this form does hand over a bunch of your personal data directly to the scammers, letting them use it as they please. That includes selling it for profit, using it to try and scam you even further and all those other risks that come from exposure of your personal data.

How to protect yourself

The first thing you can do to ensure this scam doesn't affect you, is to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Since it only affects certain versions of iOS 18, updating to the newly-released iOS 27 will ensure that your iPhone is protected from DarkSword. It also means you have access to the best new iOS 27 features and updates, some of which are incredibly useful.

Apple has patched the exploit already, but it can't forcibly send fixes to your phone if you ignore the update notices iOS sends you. It's not pestering you for the sake of being annoying, those patches are important.

The second is to always be wary about the kind of links you click — especially if you're not keeping your device software up to date. If an ad is offering something a little too unbelievable, steer clear. Odds are it's some kind of honeypot designed to lure you in for other nefarious purposes.

Finally, be sure to only pre-order iPhones from legitimate channels. That means the Apple Store, major retailers like Walmart or Best Buy, as well as the best phone carriers. Many of those third parties will also have different deals, but for something as new and sought after as the iPhone Duo they're likely to come in the form of enhanced trade-ins or discounted data plans — not money off the phone itself.

As for Apple, they almost never offer discounts on their devices, certainly not at the start of their life cycle. So any official looking sites offering major discounts is guaranteed to be some sort of scam. And just to reiterate, pre-orders for the Duo open on October 16, and won't be available anywhere until that day.

If you have already accidentally clicked a potentially dangerous link, don't worry, Malwarebytes recommends updating your phone and restarting it. Apparently the exploit doesn't continue stealing data after a reboot, though there's no telling what they may have stolen before that. If that has happened be sure to create a new crypto wallet with a different recovery phrase, and transfer your money over.

Likewise, you should change any passwords that may have been stolen. iOS 27 does have a feature that can do this for you in the event of future data breaches, but for now you'll need to do it all manually.

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• iPhone 18 Pro variable aperture lens just added to Apple's Final Cut Camera — here's how it works
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If you want to get professional with your videos, you should check out Final Cut Camera on your iPhone. The Apple-owned app features recording and shooting options that you won't find in the normal Camera app, including exposure control and monitoring tools that pros use.

For those with or planning to get the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, today Apple released an update to Final Cut Camera that adds support for the new variable lens, a streamlined UI and more.

What is Final Cut Camera?

For the unfamiliar, the iOS Camera app is already pretty good for shooting videos with simple controls, HDR and SDR recording, slow motion and even a Cinematic mode. However, if you want more control with settings and option adjustments, it can be a bit of a pain.

Final Cut Camera puts those controls front and center with an interface that lets you swap between exposure modes, change frame rate, color modes and encoding formats. It also includes multicam recording to sync multiple iPhones.

What's new

Version 2.4 brings a new interface meant to give you easier access to settings like shutter angle, ISO, and white balance using customizable overlays. The updated controls include a new tally light to indicate when recording is underway, and a two-finger tap control to clear the viewfinder so you can see your shot.

The update also supports the new Variable Aperture lens in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This will let you dial in your aperture settings or choose your shutter priority and aperture priority modes.

For editing, version 2.4 gets Cinematic mode effects for your videos including those captured in ProRes and Apple Log. This will let you adjust focus points and depth of field while editing in Final Cut Pro.

Finally, in iOS 27 the app now has support for professional video scopes, clean SDI out and genlock offset.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo report just revealed how many Apple is producing — there's good and bad news
• I walked 5,000 steps with the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 — here’s which watch came out on top
• I tested Google Maps Immersive Navigation for 2 weeks — and it makes seeing tricky exits a breeze on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

A new report from the Chinese publication Jiemian News revealed both bad news and good news about iPhone Duo production.

According to the article, Apple has not completed the expected mass production ramp-up for the company's first foldable phone. Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing partner, has only managed a yield rate of 60%, even with a small production run.

The yield percentage refers to the number of viable devices created during a manufacturing run. At 60%, that means 40% of the produced devices have some flaw that would prevent Apple from selling them.

Even before the announcement earlier this month, it was rumored that Apple was having production issues and that it would only be available in "extremely limited stock." Largely, this is based on the complicated manufacturing process for the foldable phone.

Exacting standards

Here's the caveated good news: per Jiemian, the low yield is thanks to Apple's quality standards, which the company refuses to relax.

"The supply chain is now waiting for Apple to make a decision on whether to relax the quality requirements," an unnamed source who is allegedly close to the Foxconn supply chain told the outlet (machine translated). "If the quality requirements are relaxed, it will be possible to move towards mass production more quickly."

The source reported that the production line is still debugging the process and repeatedly adjusting things during actual production to optimize equipment and processes.

Reportedly, delays in receiving Samsung Display's OLED panels and some hinge-components have also contributed to delays and lower yields.

Manufacturing isn't expecting to reach maturity for at least another six months.

Apple is only expected to produce around 6 to 8 million iPhone Duo units for its global inventory, a third of what the company will make for the more mature iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which should get between 20 and 30 million.

Expectations and price

If Apple is able to sell out an initial inventory of 8 million Duos, that would be a major win for the company.

We're still two weeks out from the launch date of October 16, and you can preorder now if you're interested.

With a starting price of $1,999, Apple's take on the foldable is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, but it's nice to know that Apple's high standards means you should get a quality, working device if you buy one.

Apple is causing quite the stir with the Duo but, it'll be interesting to see if customers respond. As we found in a recent reader poll, most of you are more interested in the Z Fold 8 which has seen a surge in popularity since Apple's announcement.

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After Apple revealed the iPhone Duo at its September launch event, you may have assumed we'd found out everything there is to know about the phone. That's apparently not the case. A new leak has revealed specific details about the foldable's StandBy Mode that Apple hasn't officially shared yet.

Apple already confirmed that StandBy would be coming to iPhone Duo, and that the feature would work regardless of the physical configuration of the phone. It's also available to use without having to plug the Duo in to charge, which is a privilege the company doesn't offer to other iPhones. But leaker pdfu just discovered a bunch more uses, thanks to a code deep-dive.

Specifically pdfu uncovered several new StandBy faces for the iPhone Duo, including:

• Home Camera, which features between one and nine live camera feeds
• Home Modular, which pdfu speculates is a screen focused on home accessories
• Flow, which is assumed to be an abstract animated design
• Face, which is a total unknown
• Snoopy, which is almost certainly another Apple tie-in with Peanuts

To me, that suggests Apple is prepping StandBy Mode to be more of a smart home hub than a glorified clock and weather device. Considering the long-standing rumors that Apple has a dedicated Smart Display in the works (tentatively called the HomePad), it makes sense that it would try and expand those features to tablet-like devices like iPhone Duo.

The question is whether iPadOS may finally get its own StandBy mode as well. If the Duo is getting its own version, and without needing to charge, then there's little reason why iPads can't follow suit.

Pdfu also discovered a new face editor, which they liken to the Apple Watch face editor. This mode lets you swipe between settings and different options. Those options include a calendar, plus analog and digital clock faces, with different looks, fonts and color options to choose from.

The code also mentions five separate layouts for the Duo's StandBy mode, including StandBy, Stacked, Top, Middle and Bottom. Pdfu speculates that the last four are intended for the foldable screen, while StandBy sounds just like the normal StandBy mode iPhones have had for a few years.

You can see all the leaked designs in greater detail by checking out pdfu's thread on X. Meanwhile, let me know what your early impressions are of the iPhone Duo in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 ways Galaxy S27 Ultra can beat the iPhone 18 Pro — and 2 ways Apple will still win
• iPhone Duo: 7 features you’re giving up by not buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max
• The real reason why iPhone Duo will beat all Android foldable phones

There are a lot of things to love about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but they definitely are not perfect. There are things that Apple's latest flagships are missing, and that could give Samsung an advantage with the release of the Galaxy S27 Ultra next year.

Success over Apple isn't guaranteed, but with Galaxy S27 Ultra rumors arriving pretty regularly, we're getting a good idea of what the next Samsung flagship could offer. There could be some pretty big changes, including a brand new design that ditches the vertical camera array of the last several generations of Galaxy phones.

That's only scratching the surface. These 5 things in particular could help the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra beat the iPhone 18 Pro — but there are two ways Apple could stay on top.

A bigger battery

Samsung already proved that it has what it takes to boost battery capacity without affecting the design of the device — as we saw with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's 5,000 mAh silicon carbon battery. Rumor has it that Samsung could utilize the same tech in the S27 Ultra, which makes total sense considering how long the Ultra models have been stuck with 5,000 mAh batteries

Regulator documents have already revealed that Samsung could add a 5,700 mAh battery to the phone. That's a 14% increase over the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and while it's nowhere near as large as the 7,300 mAh OnePlus 15, it's still a noticeable jump in available power. That should hopefully increase the overall battery life. That said, we won't know whether it will exceed the iPhone 18 Pro Max's 18 hours and 27 minutes.

That would require an extra two hours of battery life on Samsung's part, so it better get to work on the efficiency side of things.

An improved privacy display

The Privacy Display is the S26 Ultra's stand-out feature, but it wasn't perfect, and what we really want to see are some improvements to the technology. We'd hope that means brighter overall displays, even when Privacy Display is turned off, and more versatile use of the dimmed sections of the screen.

The latter may be coming true, with leaker Ice Universe claiming that Samsung will adopt a feature that Xiaomi included on the newly-released 18 Pro — a split-screen privacy display. This feature would work in tandem with the S27 Ultra's multitasking, and would expand or contract according to how big the different windows are. The other window is fully lit and visible.

S Pen

While the iPhone Duo is set to get Apple Pencil support, the iPhone 18 Pro does not. The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is likely to stick with the same level of S Pen support Samsung has offered for the past several years.

We're not expecting any major changes with the S27 Ultra's S Pen. This means you shouldn't expect to see the return of Bluetooth or other more advanced functionality we have seen in previous years. But even the simplest S Pen around is something that Apple doesn't offer on its flagship. So if you like to use a stylus to draw, take notes or make fine photo edits, the S27 Ultra is a more appealing device.

Better camera hardware

Ultra-tier Galaxy phones already have superior camera hardware, thanks to the 200MP main sensor, but things could be getting even better with the S27 Ultra — in the front and back of the phone.

The first upgrade rumor is the addition of a 16MP selfie camera, which would be a notable upgrade from the 12MP shooter on the S26 Ultra. While that's still a little bit less than the 18MP Center Stage camera on iPhone 18 Pro, it's still a welcome upgrade. However, Samsung could jump ahead with rumors of a large sensor on the telephoto lens.

Some rumors suggest that Samsung could offer a larger 1/1.9-inch telephoto sensor, but as a result reduce the amount of optical zoom from 5x magnification to 4x. However, this has been disputed by some leakers, who claim Samsung is sticking with the same 5x 1/2.52-inch sensor as the S26 Ultra. But either way, it's a telephoto lens offering higher resolution and sensor size than the 48MP 1/2.55-inch sensor on iPhone 18 Pro Max.

A 16GB RAM option

While it's unlikely that we'll see the S27 Ultra get a full 16GB of RAM in its cheapest form, there's still a good chance the pricier 1TB models will get that memory boost. This should in turn give those models a slight advantage when it comes to processing, specifically where on-device AI is concerned.

Considering on-device AI is a big focus for Apple, the 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 18 Pro doesn't seem quite so impressive. The S27 Ultra, with more advanced Galaxy AI and computing hardware, could end up leaving the iPhone 18 Pro in the dust here.

2 ways Apple can still win

Performance power

We can't say for certain how powerful the Galaxy S27 Ultra will be, but we have tested the chip that should power the phone when it arrives next year — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. We have done some benchmarking tests with a Qualcomm Reference Device, which gives us an idea of how the chip should perform. As powerful as it is, it doesn't really compare to Apple's A20 Pro in a lot of areas.

As you can see, the A20 Pro pulls ahead in most areas, including single- and multi-core benchmarking tests, and 3DMark's Solar Bay Extreme graphics test. The figures are close in a lot of places, but the only time the Gen 6 chip outpaces Apple is with the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme graphics test.

We don't know how Qualcomm's chip will perform on the S27 Ultra, especially if Samsung gets another custom "for Galaxy" chipset, but for now it seems like Apple certainly has the upper hand.

More storage

As small a difference as it may be, we know that Apple currently offers more storage space than Samsung — offering a maximum storage space of 2TB to Samsung's 1TB. There's always the possibility that this could change, but the rumors suggest otherwise. In fact, the S27 series will apparently have the exact same storage options as the S26 series. This means the Ultra will max out at 1TB.

Those larger storage variants might get LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.1 storage, which would be a benefit for performance and loading speed. Sadly, your maximum limit will be the same 1TB as always, if these rumors are to be believed.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's a new shortcut in iOS 27 I’m using every single day — here's where to find it
• Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Face ID freezing bug — what you need to know
• iPhone Duo: 7 features you’re giving up by not buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max

Did you hear about the new Xiaomi 18 Fold? Maybe not, but this foldable phone is getting a lot of attention on YouTube for “beating” the upcoming iPhone Duo at its own game. Here’s just some of the ways it wins.

• It’s lighter
• It’s thinner
• It has a telephoto camera
• It has a bigger battery
• It charges faster
• It’s better at multitasking
• It has a brighter screen
• It’s hundreds cheaper

As you’ll see in the very slick video by Mrwhosetheboss, which at last count has over 16 million views, Xiaomi has superior hardware. On paper. But when he digs deeper a bunch of flaws emerge in this would be iPhone Duo killer.

For starters, the phone is made of less durable aluminum, versus the stronger titanium frame on the iPhone Duo. And that durability advantage extends to the Duo’s IP68 rating for water and dust protection, which the Xiaomi lacks.

In addition, the crease is more noticeable on the Xiaomi 18 Fold because it lacks the Duo’s nano-texture display. Even worse, Mrwhosetheboss found that just opening and closing the Xiaomi foldable resulted in unsettling clicking sounds.

But the real reason the iPhone Duo is superior is the software experience, specifically how Apple optimized its OS and apps for the foldable form factor. It looks like Xiaomi just threw its regular OS at a foldable, with sometimes awkward and ugly results.

This is the same reason why the iPhone Duo will likely beat all other Android foldables once it’s released: no other company focuses as obsessively on how the hardware and software work together.

Hardware + Software innovation

For example, Apple redesigned the dock on the iPhone so it sits on the right side, making it easier to reach both when the display is closed and open. The same thing goes with the controls for apps.

This is admittedly a bummer for left-handed people, but it is a good use of the available space and wider aspect ratio, so you can see more of your content.

In addition, Apple has optimized the software so that apps can adapt based on the “pose” the device is in. For example, when you turn the iPhone Duo upside down in tent mode, it can automatically morph into an alarm clock. And it emits a soft glow when your alarm goes off.

Apple has also redesigned iOS 27 so that the iPhone Duo reacts as you fold the device. If you fold the phone half way while in Safari, for example, a keyboard will automatically appear at the bottom of the display. And when it’s stood up vertically, you can display your calendar on the left and favorite photos on the right, just like one of the best digital photo frames.

Apple is making an API available for developers as well to enable them to make apps that can “read” the angle of the hinge, and in an interview with Donald Decodes on YouTube Apple’s Craig Federighi confirmed it’s accurate to within 5 degrees. But he said that most developers will simply be focusing on various pose states for the device, like the book pose, table pose or tent pose.

“We make those things so that as a developer you’re not having to operate on how many degrees [it’s] open,” said Federighi. “We can deliver a really standard and consistent experience across apps.”

Meanwhile, Samsung abandoned its similar Flex mode for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, reserving this feature only for the Fold 8 Ultra.

“There are choices that Samsung previously tried that Apple is revisiting, including hinges that open at different angles and under-display selfie cameras,” said Avi Greengart, founder and lead analyst at Techsponential. “The different hinge postures are well-supported in iOS27 with interface elements and are a clear win for Apple.”

A seamless transition, but what about multitasking?

Apple has taken a lot of heat for how much buzz the transition animation has gotten that takes you from the inner to the outer display. But it does make the device feel magical.

And if this effect was just eye candy, then you wouldn’t have developers racing to copy the effect within the first day.

To be fair, the iPhone Duo is limited when it comes to multitasking. You can only run two apps side by side, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lets you run three apps at once, plus put floating windows on top. The Xiaomi 18 Fold lets you run up to eight apps.

So it remains to be seen if the Duo is versatile enough in this category.

However, I do give Apple credit for how it enabled Split View. The two sides feel like independent desktops or workspaces. It feels natural when you’re using it.

The iPhone Duo app difference

Apple hasn’t shared much in the way of third-party applications yet, but what I’ve seen so far looks promising.

On Slack, for example, you’ll see your rooms and contacts on the left and messages on the right. The last time I checked, Slack was just a stretched out phone app on Android foldables with a ton of wasted space. And Zoom lets you easily see the content being shared and other call participants down below.

Apple's software experience is extremely polished on the Duo, but Android works fine on foldables,” Greengart said. “The real test will be whether Apple can get developers to update their apps so that the entire experience is fluid and optimized; that's the area where Android falls short.”

There's already one independent developer showing off an app for the iPhone Duo that's creating some buzz. Vidit Bhargava has revealed the very retro Duo Man app, which mimics the Sony Walkman experience on the foldable. You open the Duo to pick your music and "insert" the cassette, then close the Duo to start listening.

I also think it’s telling that Netflix has an iPhone Duo-optimized app on day one for this device, while it refused to make one for the Vision Pro at first. Yes, $2,000 is expensive for a phone, but I don’t think Netflix would have bothered with a Duo app unless it believed this device was going to take off.

Where Android foldables still win

As someone who reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 8, I really like how thin and light the design is. It's nearly a 2-ounce difference, with the Fold 8 weighing 7.09 ounces, compared to 8.96 ounces for the Duo.

It makes the iPhone Duo seem bulky by comparison when you hold them both as I did. But there's a benefit to this additional heft.

"The iPhone Duo is thicker and noticeably heavier than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8," Greengart said. That's both a disadvantage and a specific choice: the iPhone Duo is more water and dust resistant compared to most Android foldables.

It's true that the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra both lack an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, but the Motorola Razr Fold and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold both offer it.

In addition, the Fold 8 has some really cool software tricks I don't think the iPhone Duo will offer, such as suggesting apps that can open in mult-window mode on the fly.

Bottom line

It’s clear that the iPhone Duo has some drawbacks, especially for its $2,000 price. It’s heavier and thicker than other foldable phones, and you don’t get iPhone 18 Pro features like a telephoto zoom.

But the real reason that this device will put other foldable phones on notice is how the hardware and software work together. And I think that will spur more innovation on the Android side, which is good for everyone.

Update: A fix is now available, keep reading to find out how to get it.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are out in the wild now. The launch has been fairly smooth so far, with most people who really wanted the phone able to order one and receive it, though some models and colors were pushed back from the launch date due to popularity.

But a new issue is emerging that is making iPhone 18 Pro owners upset. Apparently, when Face ID fails to detect a user's face, the phone can sometimes crash, which is obviously frustrating for anyone trying to get into their phone.

iPhone 18 Face ID bug

Face ID is a huge convenience for iPhone owners (though some would prefer Touch ID back). But when a failed Face ID attempt causes the iPhone to restart, it becomes much less convenient and more of a problem.

If Face ID reads the user's face and unlocks the phone, there's no issue. But when the angle is off, or Face ID fails for one reason or another, then the problem pops up, and the phone sometimes restarts itself. Though it doesn't seem to affect all iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max users, even an intermittent bug like this on a brand new phone isn't a good look.

Thankfully, Apple is aware of the issue and told 9To5Mac that a fix should be launching in the next few days. That fix is already here, thanks to an iOS 27 update.

The fact that the problem is a software bug, not a hardware issue, is a huge relief. If the company had to recall iPhone 18 Pro devices due to a defect, it could have been a much bigger headache for both Apple and customers with affected devices.

Of course, we'll have to wait for an update to see whether it completely rectifies the situation.

In the meantime, there isn't a lot you can do to fix the issue. Instead, just make sure Face ID gets a clear, straight-on view of your face when you unlock your phone to reduce failures. In theory, if Face ID recognizes you, your phone shouldn't restart itself. It's annoying to deal with, but at least you know the end is in sight.

iOS 27 update fixes the bug

Today, Apple released an update that appears to fix the FaceID bug. iOS version 27.0.1 is the first update for Apple's newest version of iOS.

You can download iOS 27.0.1 by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple also released iPadOS 27.0.1 and visionOS 27.0.1 updates, as well as iOS 26.7.1 and iPadOS 26.7.1 for devices that don't support iOS 27.

Here's what the release notes say about the bug fixes, per MacRumors:

This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone, including fixes for the following issues:

• iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate
• A color artifact may appear on photos captured at 2x under certain lighting conditions at f/1.48 on a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices
• Opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive

More from Tom's Guide

• Android president on Apple's iPhone Duo: 'I'm glad to see more people joining what is now the obvious party'
• Forget iPhone 18 Pro — 9 reasons to wait for the iPhone 20
• I finally unlinked my iPhone alarm from my ringer volume — here is where Apple hid it in iOS 27

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks testing both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which revealed some of their biggest upgrades — like the class-leading performance of the A20 Pro chip and improved battery life. But with the launch of the iPhone Duo right around the corner, plenty of people are likely still undecided about which one they should buy.

The fact that the Duo is Apple’s first-ever foldable device is appealing all on its own. Who wouldn’t want the novelty of having an expansive 7.6-inch canvas to multitask and watch videos on the go? However, the price gap certainly gives reason to pause. With a starting price of $1,999, the iPhone Duo commands a massive premium over the $1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Paying significantly more for the Duo doesn't just mean a lighter wallet — it comes with the reality of accepting some real compromises. And I'm not just talking about potential iPhone Duo dealbreakers we've already covered, like the lack of telephoto zoom and Face ID. After testing the 18 Pro lineup, these are the 7 features you’re giving up if you choose the iPhone Duo over the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Proper MagSafe compatibility

MagSafe is no longer just an option for me — it’s a necessity given the utility it offers. While the iPhone Duo does include a magnetic ring, I won’t be able to use my favorite MagSafe accessories nearly as smoothly as I do on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

That's because the Duo's folding design shifts internal components and cuts into rear real estate. Meaning, standard-sized MagSafe accessories don't sit flush against the back. A perfect example is the MagSafe wallets I've tested, which would overhang past the bottom edge of the frame. Sure, they might still technically stick — but you lose the seamless feel that makes the ecosystem so good in the first place.

Variable aperture

Even now, I’m constantly impressed watching the mechanical aperture blades over the main camera open and close on the iPhone 18 Pro series. This new system finally brings true optical versatility, letting me stop down to keep expansive landscapes in razor-sharp focus or open wide to produce authentic background blur in portraits.

I won’t have that mechanical control on the iPhone Duo, leaving me entirely at the mercy of digital post-processing and simulated depth maps. Missing out on the iPhone 18 Pro Max's physical aperture also means losing creative flexibility in other shooting scenarios — like intentionally adding motion blur with moving subjects.

Action Button

Whether you stick with its default setting or customize it, the Action button on the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers genuine utility and granular control over how the phone behaves.

I rely on it daily for tactile access to my flashlight, camera presets, and favorite Shortcuts — a luxury the iPhone Duo simply won't have. That absence stings even more on a foldable, where a programmable physical key could have effortlessly launched two apps side by side with a single click.

ProRAW/ProRES

For serious shooters like myself, Apple ProRAW and ProRes on the iPhone 18 Pro Max provide an essential layer of control in the editing room. ProRAW captures uncompressed files with full sensor readout, giving me the ability to recover highlights, lift shadows, and fine-tune white balance. Pair that with ProRes video — which preserves 10-bit color depth and low compression for smooth scrubbing — and the 18 Pro Max can easily double as an A-cam when I can't use my professional setup.

With the iPhone Duo, though, you’re limited to standard HEIF and JPEG photos alongside heavily compressed video. While those are perfectly fine for quick social shares, they strip away the post-production editing workflow that lets me get the most out of the cameras.

Log recording

Another video-centric feature that delivers noticeable quality gains is Apple Log on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. While the unedited footage looks flat and desaturated straight out of camera, the Log profile preserves maximum dynamic range in the highlights and shadows — giving me far more control when color grading. That becomes especially crucial whenever I need to match mobile clips to footage shot on dedicated mirrorless cameras.

Because Log recording isn’t available on the iPhone Duo, I’d be stuck with Apple’s baked-in color science and contrast. That’s more than fine for casual social clips, but if you rely on your phone as a reliable B-cam, losing Log support makes the Duo a tough sell for serious video workflows.

Spatial photos and videos

Even if it isn't an everyday shooting mode for most people, the ability to capture spatial photos and videos has real perks. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has the calibrated sensor array required to record lifelike stereoscopic media ready for playback on Apple Vision Pro — while letting you preview that parallax effect right inside the Photos app.

Because the iPhone Duo lacks a LiDAR scanner and the necessary lens alignment, spatial capture isn't an option. That's a miss in my book, especially given how much more pronounced and lifelike the 3D depth feels with static shots. It's way more genuine than the AI-assisted generation of Reframe.

More from Tom's Guide

• Android president on Apple's iPhone Duo: 'I'm glad to see more people joining what is now the obvious party'
• Forget iPhone 18 Pro — 9 reasons to wait for the iPhone 20
• I finally unlinked my iPhone alarm from my ringer volume — here is where Apple hid it in iOS 27

Being able to carry a powerful camera in my pocket is fantastic, and I can't tell you the number of times I've been able to pull out my phone to snap something that would have otherwise vanished in a second. The problem is that smartphones are not so great and shooting a lot of photos in a short space of time.

The lack of a burst mode has always irked me, especially since I'm often trying to take photos of things that are moving around — mainly my dogs or my son. My workaround has been to shoot video and then try and screenshot the appropriate frame, but those results are often lacking. You lose resolution and the whole process is rather fiddly, as you try and find the perfect frame.

Thankfully Google and Apple have each developed systems to do this exact thing, without all the same pitfalls. The execution is very different, though, and I set out to see whether Google Pixel 11 Pro's Magic Capture or the Save Video Frame as Photo option from iPhone 18 Pro and iOS 27 offered a better experience.

What are Magic Capture and Save Video Frame as Photo?

Magic Capture is a new AI-powered feature exclusive to Google's Pixel 11 series, and it functions as a separate mode within the Pixel camera app. Magic Capture records videos up to two minutes in length, and once finished, uses AI to analyze the footage and export a handful of frames as standalone photos.

The crucial thing there is that the whole process is automatic. You don't get to choose what Magic Capture picks out, and the number of photos you get is actually pretty limited. You get one photo at first, but that number increases to five once the cloud-based processing is complete.

In contrast to this, Apple's Save Video Frame as Photo feature is all on you. Rather than having a specialist camera mode, or complicated AI integration, it all functions as a feature in the Apple Photos app. Simply find a video you want to pull photos from, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and tap the Save Video Frame as Photo option.

Tapping that option then isolates the frame that's on screen and exports it to Apple Photos as a photo. It doesn't matter whether the video is playing, or if you've paused it, the feature will work as advertised, dropping the newly-created photo at the end of your timeline. Naturally, the manual process means you're not guaranteed to get a good photo, since it only copies what's seen on screen.

How do they actually differ in practice?

Magic Capture is certainly the more convenient method of extracting photos from video, though it definitely comes with some downsides. The fact that you can record a video clip, and have Google's AI do all the hard work for you to get things done quickly and stress-free. That said, the limitations do get in the way.

One issue is that Magic Capture is limited to two minutes of actual use. That's not an issue for short bursts of video, but if you want continuous, uninterrupted recording, you're out of luck. Similarly the feature sticks you with five photos no matter how long the clip is — no more, no less. It doesn't matter whether you record 30 seconds or the full two minutes, you get five photos.

If you want anything more, or you don't like what Magic Capture selected, you're going to have to do things the old fashioned way. That is less than ideal, especially since Magic Capture was supposed to solve this problem. The reliance on cloud processing may also be a little much for some people, depending on how much you trust Google's servers to keep your video clips secure.

Apple's system has no such limitations, because it doesn't rely on AI processing or a specialist camera. You simply record a video as normal, with no extra caveats or conditions you need to meet. The obvious downside is that you need to pull each individual frame out manually, which is not that easy — especially on an iPhone touchscreen.

There's a difference between photographs and video frames, since one is designed to be standalone and the other is one part of something much larger. Without the surrounding frames, that single snapshot could look like absolute garbage. And that happens quite a lot with the Save Video Frame as Photo feature. Not always, and rapid movement definitely makes it a lot harder, but it is something to be aware of.

The process is fairly simple, though. You load up the video you recorded in Apple Photos, and slide the progress bar along until you get to the frame you want to see as a photo. The main issue is that doing it in Portrait mode is not easy, especially if it's a particularly long video. This isn't like VLC, where you can advance frame by frame until you get to the spot you want.

There isn't enough finesse in my fingers to be super accurate with everything, but I found that flipping the phone into landscape mode made the process slightly easier. Similarly, loading up the video on my iPad and cycling through the video using the Apple Pencil made it feel as though I had more control over the entire process. Yes, iPadOS 27 has this feature too, and it works in the exact same way.

Clipping videos down into shorter clips can also be a big help, since the playback bar is the same size no matter the length of the video in question.

Verdict: Which is the better option?

The most important thing to remember about Magic Capture and Apple's Save Video Frame as Photo is that they are both rather different methods of reaching the same goal. The way they work is going to impact which of these is actually right for you, and the truth is that neither of them is a bad option.

Magic Capture has its limits, but it's the easiest way to get a handful of photos from short video clips. Personally I think Google's option is better suited to those times when you know getting a good photo is going to be difficult, but you don't want the moment to pass. So you use Magic Capture to record the video, and have Google AI select five photos of the event in question.

Meanwhile Apple's Save Video Frame to Photo feature is arguably better for those times you know you're going to be recording anyway, but want to be able to export different frames as their own photos. Or, alternatively, for those of you that prefer to put the effort into generating those photos yourself, rather than having a faceless collection of cloud-based AI algorithms do it for you. It's certainly the more labor-intensive option, but it's also the one that ensures better data security. Provided you have the will and means to go through your video frame-by-frame — or close enough to it.

A blend of the two wouldn't be a bad option, especially if Apple can adapt its own version of Magic Capture through Private Cloud Compute. However, we can all agree that it certainly beats the alternative of screenshotting videos and losing all resolution in the process.

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I'm a big fan of magnetic phone accessories, especially when it involves MagSafe-compatible wireless charging. Portable battery packs are great, but the reliance on cables is not something I will ever be happy about. Switching to wireless charging, and using magnets to keep everything in place, means that problem is eliminated — though it's not ideal that those batteries add a bunch of bulk and weight to your phone.

Belkin's newest magnetic battery pack, UltraCharge Pro Slim Magnetic Power Bank with BoostSolid Cell, helps to eliminate that problem. The "Semi Solid State" battery design is significantly thinner and lighter than you might expect, which makes a surprising amount of difference for comfort. However, that also comes at the cost of overall capacity, which may or not be a dealbreaker.

What the heck is a 'semi-solid-state' battery?

You may be wondering what Semi-Solid-State actually means. The idea of solid-state batteries is nothing new, since those offer power without any of the chemical movements and reactions.

According to Belkin, this "semi-solid" design utilizes a gel-like layer alongside a liquid electrolyte. The company hasn't gone into the specifics of how everything works, but the design enables a slimmer and more compact design, greater longevity and a much lower risk of overheating. That should help improve the overall safety of using these batteries, and considering the clampdown by airlines in recent months, that's definitely a good thing.

Speaking of airlines, Belkin says that the $70 UltraCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank has been built to comply with standard safety requirements, and the TSA's carry-on guidance. Though this doesn't necessarily mean that you are cleared to use this one in the air. Each airline has their own policies, and you need to be aware of them before you travel.

The battery itself is Qi2 certified, offering up to 15W charging speeds on compatible phones. Wired USB-C charging is also available if you have a cable, with speeds up to 7.5W. The battery itself recharges at up to 22.5W. Naturally, being magnetic, it snaps onto the back of your phone — whether it has built-in magnets or you're using a special case.

Materials-wise, you've got a battery that is a mix of metal and rubber, which is not exactly uncommon in magnetic batteries, though the actual size of the thing is arguably where its biggest strength lies.

How does it compare to my existing magnetic power bank?

The magnetic battery pack I use most of the time is UGreen's 10,000 mAh magnetic power pack. It's a fairly cheap option, which means it isn't officially certified as MagSafe or Qi2 — it's just a regular wireless charger with a MagSafe-compatible connection. That means it's slow, and it has a habit of getting pretty hot.

UGreen's model is 0.79-inches thick, which is more than double Belkin's 0.35-inches. It's also heavier, weighing 7.9 ounces compared to 4.4 ounces for the Belkin. The UGreen battery is actually heavier and thicker than an iPhone 17 Pro (0.35-inches and 7.27 ounces), and only slightly lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max (8.33 ounces).

The UltraCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank is still going to add thickness and weight to your phone. However, it is a lot more comfortable and convenient to use compared to the bulky UGreen option I've been using.

The downside is that it the Belkin has half the capacity of the UGreen. 10,000 mAh is enough to charge just about every phone at least once — and often more. 5,000 mAh doesn't go quite as far, but it's no small amount of power. It's enough to recharge a lot of phones in full, and enough to add a significant amount of power to others.

Personally, while I like to overprepare and make sure I have more than enough energy to keep me going, I'll admit that 10,000 mAh is a bit overkill for most situations. So long as you have enough power to make it through the day, and get back to a home charger, then what does it matter how much of a reserve you have?

In terms of charging and heat, I decided to test the two batteries on my iPhone 17 Pro Max starting at 47% charge. The Belkin battery restored 10%, bringing the total to 57% in that time, while the UGreen battery brought the charge to 54% — a 7% increase. It's not a huge amount of difference, but over the course of many hours that will add up.

As for heat, the Belkin battery definitely felt warmer, but a quick check with a thermal camera saw the temperature peak at just under 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The UGreen battery didn't feel nearly as warm, but the thermal imaging revealed that a small part of the battery had risen to just shy of 97 degrees. That's not a huge difference, but you do have to remember that the UGreen charger is going much more slowly — and I did feel that heat start to add up over extended charging sessions.

Wireless charging is always going to produce some heat if you don't have some sort of active cooling system. The Belkin UltraCharge does get warm, but it doesn't get too hot, which is quite nice.

Bottom line

I really like the Belkin UltraCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank. Not specifically because it's a semi-solid-state battery, but because it manages to do all the things you need from a portable battery pack. It's slim and lightweight, with the magnetic connection making it incredibly easy to recharge your phone. Plus, the 15W Qi2 speeds mean it's fairly speedy as far as wireless charging goes.

Admittedly, the 5,000 mAh capacity would be enough to make me hesitate on buying one for myself — especially with a $70 price tag. You can buy wired battery packs that offer four times the capacity for similar prices, if not less. Still, you can't fault the Belkin for convenience or comfort, and that premium might be worth it if you regularly find that you need to top off your phone on the move.

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For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been putting all the iPhone 18 Pro (and 18 Pro Max) camera upgrades to work. While the variable aperture system has drawn plenty of attention — and rightfully so, given the natural depth of field it delivers — the bigger upgrade for me has been the introduction of new Pro Controls.

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been asking for this. Apple has historically been reluctant to give users full manual control, but over the last few generations, it’s slowly been rolling out incremental features that prove it's actually listening. Even so, it wasn't until recently that I stumbled onto something that takes the feature to another level: the ability to fully customize the Pro Controls layout to match your exact shooting style.

Whether you want shutter speed pinned front and center, or the focus slider positioned for precise fine-tuning, customizing this interface completely transforms the experience. Here’s how to do it.

How to customize Pro Controls layout using the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max

All of your selections will stay locked in the exact order you arranged them, making Pro Controls vastly more practical since you're no longer forced to constantly tap the six-dot icon to dig into settings. I love this level of customization because it gives me the flexibility to tweak key parameters on the fly, letting me refocus on framing and shooting instead of fumbling through menus.

Best of all, this layout customization carries over seamlessly to video recording. While you’ll find familiar core adjustments like aperture, shutter speed, manual focus, and white balance, Apple also adds video-specific tools like Dual Capture, Action mode, and Adaptive — the latter designed for time-lapse recording to dynamically slow the frame rate when motion is detected.

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Back in March we heard rumors that Apple could add an important anti-theft feature to iPhones: the ability for iOS to lock everything down in the event your phone is snatched out of your hands. While I had hoped that such a feature could launch with iOS 27, that hasn't happened — but it doesn't mean anti-snatch protection is dead in the water.

Code discovered in the newly released iOS 27.2 beta reveals that Apple could still be working on this feature — as well as what signals could end up triggering it in the real world.

Google launched something similar last year, known as Theft Detection Lock, and I'm glad to see that Apple is still powering ahead with its own version. Considering how much we have on our phone, and how easy they are to steal, there's no such thing as having too much protection from thieves and other criminals.

How Apple's anti-snatching feature might work

Android's Theft Detection Lock works by detecting sudden changes in your device, using the internal sensors. So if it notices your phone suddenly jerks in one direction and takes off at speed, odds are someone has snatched your phone and started running off with it.

We assumed that Apple's version would work in a similar manner, but the uncovered code offers a little bit of detail about how iOS will register possible thefts.

Code snippets seen by 9to5Mac shows that the theft detection is internally known as "AutoLock," though there's no guarantee that Apple will actually use that name for the public launch. The code also suggests that AutoLock will rely on five key signals to determine whether a phone has been stolen or not.

The first trigger is the presence of a "sharp acceleration" that is "consistent with a phone being snatched." Or, in other words, the internal sensors detecting your phone moving in a way that is inconsistent with typical use. Connectivity to the Apple Watch is also considered, including a paired watch not being reachable for an extended period, and general loss of connectivity to that watch. Presumably if that loss of contact is very sudden, then the AutoLock feature will realize something is up.

The code also refers to being disconnected from the network for extended periods. This would be consistent with thieves switching a phone into Airplane mode in an attempt to evade Find My Device — either for tracking or remotely locking down the phone.

Finally it's said that AutoLock could engage when a device has been unlocked beyond a specific time interval. This suggests that there may be circumstances where AutoLock can engage after being snatched, rather than during the process — the way Android's version of the feature does.

The code also makes reference to safeguards designed to avoid false positives, including location-based systems that would prevent AutoLock engaging in familiar locations like home ort work — similar to how Apple's Stolen Device Protection works. Other safeguards mention a veto system, in which certain features can override a request to AutoLock, biometric authentication, and a "backoff mechanism" that temporarily prevents automatic locks after repeated AutoLock events.

Naturally, this feature is still a work in progress, and that means things can (and likely will) change between now and the official release. So don't expect the final feature to arrive in this exact form, whenever that day might actually be.

Why it's important to have

I doubt there's anyone reading this that hasn't heard about phone snatching, and many of you may have experienced it first hand. It's become quite a problem, especially in big cities and places with lax enforcement of rules regarding ebikes and mopeds.

It certainly doesn't help that we use our phones so much, and some people tend to wander around with their phones out, oblivious to the fact that they're putting their device at risk. Last time my wife and I both went to London, I repeatedly had to tell her to put her phone away because she has the awful habit of absentmindedly wandering around with her phone by her side. It's a problem made worse by the fact it's so hard to find women's clothing with phone-friendly pockets.

Really, we should know to keep our phones more secure. Not only are they expensive devices, the amount of data we keep in them is arguably worth more than the hardware itself. Banking apps, social media, personal photos and videos, the list is endless. The last thing you need is for someone to snatch your phone and gain access to all that data, simply because your phone was unlocked at the wrong moment.

Obviously staying vigilant, and ensuring your phone is not exposed unnecessarily is always going to be the best way to avoid drive-by phone snatching. But it's foolish to assume that you can stay safe 100% of the time, and there will be points where you need to use your phone and your guard is down just enough for an opportunistic thief to swoop by and grab it from your hands.

Having a system that locks your phone down means it's that bit harder for a thief to access your data, or attempt to wipe the phone and sell it on for a profit. Crucially it gives you a little more time to find a way to get into Find My Device and lock the device down — significantly reducing its value to the potential thieves.

AutoLock wouldn't be the only system helping to safeguard your data. Stolen Device Protection has measures to stop potential thieves from accessing key areas of your device — including Find My settings, your Apple account and factory reset. Most importantly, it also works if the thief knows your PIN, since it relies on biometric security. Apple also forces your iPhone to restart after 72 hours of inactivity, which encrypts your device and makes it even harder for thieves to try and break in.

Replacing a phone sucks, especially if it isn't covered by AppleCare+ or some other form of insurance. But the cost of a new phone pales in comparison to the cost of losing control of your accounts and data.

Bottom line

It's important to keep tabs on your phone, no matter where you are or how secure you might feel in the moment. Constant vigilance is a nice idea in theory, but it's not realistically possible. For that reason, it's great that phone companies are continually adding features to keep your devices secure, and lock everything down in the event that your phone is stolen.

I'm mainly an Android user, and I've lost track of the number of times I've looked at my phone and been met with a notification telling me the screen has auto-locked because it thought someone was stealing it. Some may find that slightly irritating, but not me. Considering how easy it is to unlock a smartphone with biometrics (be it a fingerprint or Face ID), I'd rather the software be a little more cautious and ask me to unlock my phone again than face the alternative.

And the sooner Apple implements that feature on iPhones, the better.

More from Tom's Guide

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The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are definitely the best phones Apple has ever made, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should rush out to buy one. In fact, there's a strong case to be made for waiting another year and picking up the iPhone 20 instead.

The 20th anniversary model is expected to follow in the iPhone X's footsteps, with Apple reportedly releasing a device that will set the standard for the next decade of iPhone flagships. This means if you've found yourself disappointed with the level of upgrades Apple has offered over the past few years, the iPhone 20 could make up for a lot of it.

Here are nine reasons why you should skip the iPhone 18 Pro and wait for the iPhone 20.

Quad-curved, all-glass display

The most noticeable iPhone 20 change is shaping up to be the quad-curved all-glass display. While a screen with four curved edges is fairly common among Chinese brands, it never really took off in the U.S. and other regions. However, Apple's version is a little different.

The design reportedly wraps around all four corners, connecting with a separate glass back-plate to give the illusion that this device is made from nothing but glass. Obviously, the interior will still have the usual metal frame and other components, but it should ensure the iPhone 20 is one of the most visually striking phones Apple has made in a while.

Better OLED screens

The iPhone 20's design may not be the only thing changing about the screen. Apple is rumored to be offering new OLED display panels that are brighter and thinner than what we have now. The panels themselves are expected to come from Samsung, complete with the Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE, not to be confused with the Church of England) technology.

This tech is said to be able to reduce the thickness of the display itself, while also allowing more light through. This improves the overall brightness, but in a way that doesn't increase the power consumption. Considering how much battery power a phone display can use, this could potentially be a massive win for battery life.

Under display Face ID and cameras

We know Apple can make under-display cameras, since it's added that technology to the iPhone Duo's foldable display. One of the long-standing rumors for the iPhone 20 is that both the camera and Face ID will vanish beneath the display, offering a true, uninterrupted display — though the Dynamic Island may still stick around.

Face ID hardware has slowly been making that migration for a few years, and it makes sense Apple would be ready to make the jump next year. The camera is a different matter, especially with under-display cameras' reputation for mediocre quality. Even the iPhone Duo's hidden camera is only designed for FaceTime and video calls, and it's unclear whether Apple can fix that issue before next year.

Solid state buttons

There have been rumors circulating about Apple switching from mechanical to solid-state buttons for years, and iPhone 20 could be the year it finally happens. Such a move would see traditional buttons replaced with haptic alternatives that are built directly into the device itself — which would aid that uninterrupted glass look.

Those buttons would not have any moving parts, which has two benefits. Fewer chances to break down, and fewer gaps in the frame that could be damaged and invite water or dust inside the phone. All while retaining a tactile button-like response from the built-in haptic feedback.

A21 Pro

One thing we can all but guarantee is the inclusion of the A21 Pro chipset. As is the case with new Apple chips, this will likely come with increased computing and graphical performance, alongside gains in AI processing.

The level of improvement isn't clear right now, but we should expect the iPhone 20 to be the most powerful iPhone Apple has made — and among the most powerful phones on sale. Naturally, we should also expect improvements to power consumption and energy efficiency, which should in turn improve the overall battery life.

No Qualcomm modems in sight

While Apple was keen to hype up the addition of the C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro series, it turns out that Qualcomm modems are still being utilized. iFixit teardowns revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max still uses a Qualcomm modem, and they have a reputation for being a little power-hungry.

The reason Apple hasn't ditched Qualcomm in its entirety is all very legal. Suffice it to say Apple was obligated to continue using some Qualcomm modems in its devices until this year. As far as we know, the end of 2026 means Apple is free to use its own modems across the entire iPhone lineup — including iPhone 20.

Silicon carbon batteries

More and more phones are adopting Silicon Carbon battery technology, and the iPhone 20 could be the first Apple smartphone to make the switch. These batteries use a silicon-coated anode and are able to offer much better energy density as a result. Effectively meaning Apple can reduce the size of the iPhone 20 battery without lowering the actual capacity in the process.

OnePlus 15 did this with its monster 7,300 mAh battery, without adding any meaningful amount of weight or thickness to the phone. Samsung did it with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 too, increasing the total battery capacity while maintaining a sleek, thin foldable profile. So there's little reason for Apple not to follow suit.

Better cameras

Apple could be developing a stacked image sensor for the iPhone 20's cameras, effectively replacing the Sony sensors iPhones have relied on for years. The benefit of this is that the camera would be able to capture even more detail in bright and darker areas, without losing any information in the process. In other words, better picture quality and dynamic range rolled into one.

It's also been rumored that Apple may copy Samsung and adopt a 200MP main camera on the iPhone 20 — up from 48MP on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It seems like quite a big leap, especially since Apple generally focuses on improving photography software, but if it's going to happen, it might as well be on the iPhone 20.

New screen sizes

The all-glass displays also mean the iPhone 20 could come with slightly larger screens. A recent rumor from Digital Chat Station claims that the iPhone 20 Pro will feature a 6.41-inch display, and the Pro Max model will have a 6.96-inch display. That's up from a respective 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Both new phones are rumored to come with resolutions of 2,686 x 1,236 and 2,912 x 1,340 — suggesting that they will be incrementally taller and wider as a result of the larger screen. Not by much, but that extra screen space has to come from somewhere, right?

More from Tom's Guide

• I put the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
• I finally unlinked my iPhone alarm from my ringer volume — here is where Apple hid it in iOS 27
• I tested Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 — 16% faster CPU and huge AI-infused gaming upgrades, but Apple’s A20 Pro pulls ahead in some areas

iPhone Duo preorders don't start until October 16 at 8:00 a.m. ET — but that doesn't mean you can't start hunting for deals and discounts now. Apple's first foldable device was announced during the company's "Surprise and Shine" event and will be available for purchase on October 23.

The new 5.4-inch phone and tablet in one device opens up to revel a huge 7.6-inch nano-texture display starts at $1,999, making it Apple's most expensive phone yet. That's a tough pill to swallow in today's economy, but I'm here to help you find the best iPhone Duo preorder deals well in advance of the release date.

iPhone Duo preorder deals have yet to start, but the Apple Store is already offering $35 to $885 in credit via trade-in. For example, an iPhone 8 Plus will land you a $35 credit, whereas an iPhone 17 Pro Max will get you the maximum $885 off credit. I expect to see many more iPhone Duo preorder deals in the weeks to come as carriers release their own offers.

Below I've listed the best early deals on Apple's iPhone Duo from top carriers and retailers.

What you need to know

Current iPhone 18 Pro Max orders are seeing delays, with deliveries showing October 14 to October 21. Considering the strong interest in the iPhone Duo, we expect much longer delivery times with this model — so placing a pre-order as soon as possible is critical if you want to get it with the least amount of wait.

So far, Apple and major carriers are set to sell the iPhone Duo. While we expect other MVNOs to sell Apple's first foldable phone, it may be a long while before it happens. At the same time, we suspect that unlocked versions of the Duo might be in short supply due to demand.

Quick Links

• iPhone Duo: up to $885 w/ trade-in @ Apple Store
• iPhone Duo: preorder October 16 @ T-Mobile
• iPhone Duo: waived activation fee @ Verizon
• iPhone Duo: preorder October 16 @ AT&T

iPhone Duo

Shop more deals

If there’s one phone I saw out in the wild more than any other this past year, it was easily the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. As tempting as it is to credit that eye-catching finish alone, Apple backed up the fresh coat of paint with substantial hardware improvements and top-tier performance that drove people to buy it .

Now that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is officially here, Apple has to convince those same owners that it’s time to move on. While my general rule of thumb is to upgrade every three years, the pull of the latest flagship is hard to resist.

That sets the stage for my iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max face-off: can Apple prove its newest generational leap is actually worth the investment? Armed with the cutting-edge A20 Pro chip and an ambitious variable-aperture camera, the 18 Pro Max enters the ring with serious firepower. Here’s how it holds up against the reigning heavyweight.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Specifications

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Price and release

When it comes to your wallet, the older flagship came with an initial starting price of $1,199 when it was released last year. With the latest flagship now on shelf, Apple's asking $100 more for the the iPhone 18 Pro Max — pushing its starting price up to $1,299.

While the iPhone 18 Pro Max certainly brings cutting-edge upgrades to the table, an extra hundred dollars is a tough pill to swallow when last year's top-tier phone offers 90% of the same experience. For raw value and affordability out of the gate, the older model takes the crown, especially with the extra discounts you're likely to find right now as carriers and retailers try to clear out remaining stock.

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Design

Besides their colorways, it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart at a cursory glance. That’s because Apple sticks to the same design, featuring an identical titanium frame, contoured edges, and the familiar stretched-out camera arrangement across the back. While Apple has gone after a unified color scheme with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, I still like the two-tone look of the previous design.

When I pick them up, however, I notice a subtle difference. By no means is the iPhone 17 Pro Max lightweight, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max feels noticeably denser in the hand because it tips the scales at a heftier 8.78 ounces — compared to the 8.22-ounce iPhone 17 Pro Max. It’s not a massive differential on paper, but it’s still immediately felt.

Besides that, I think it’s worth pointing out how Apple has trimmed the size of the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It was never a distraction for me with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but I nonetheless appreciate it being scaled down to make the display look more seamless.

Sure, it weighs more, but the slimmed-down Dynamic Island compensates for the 18 Pro Max’s overall design.

Winner: tie

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Display

Both phones feature a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, complete with 120Hz ProMotion that makes nearly everything on the screen look buttery smooth. Our lab testing reveals that the iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches a much more substantial peak brightness of 2,326 nits, making it a breeze to see whatever I’m doing when the sun is beating down on me.

While the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s peak of 1,899 nits is no slouch, the difference side by side is obvious — with the 18 Pro Max exhibiting superior visibility when I need it most.

Apple also touts an updated anti-reflective coating on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but in my experience, it’s an enhancement I hardly notice. Harsh overhead lights and reflections still pose a challenge.

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Cameras

Apple has long set the gold standard for reliable point-and-shoot smartphone photography in virtually any condition. At a glance, both flagships seem to share the same 48MP triple-camera array, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max introduces two transformative upgrades: a mechanical variable aperture and native Pro Controls.

This variable aperture represents one of the most substantial hardware evolutions the iPhone line has seen in years, cycling through four distinct physical stops: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4. As an avid photographer, I know just how significant optical control is on mobile hardware — it grants the 18 Pro Max an immediate edge in capturing natural depth of field and managing light.

Better yet, Apple backed up the optical hardware overhaul with native Pro Controls. Enthusiasts have spent years pleading for true manual tools baked directly into iOS's default camera app, and Apple finally answered the call. The 18 Pro Max puts granular adjustment of shutter speed, ISO, white balance, manual focus, and aperture right at your fingertips.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains an effortless, dependable shooter that produces gorgeous results with zero fuss. But the synergy of a true mechanical aperture and extensive manual shooting tools turns the iPhone 18 Pro Max into a legitimate photographer’s tool, delivering creative versatility its predecessor simply can't touch.

Starting with their main cameras, it’s a dead heat between the two — and I genuinely can’t see a meaningful difference under daytime settings like this. Both flagships capture exceptional detail in the signage, pumpkins, and clouds in sky, with only a trained eye spotting that the iPhone 18 Pro Max lifts the deepest shadows beneath the awning just a hair more.

These ultrawide camera shots again show how similarly both phones handle daytime scenes. From the rich blue water and rolling cloud formations to finer details like the sand patterns and docked rowboats, dynamic range and sharpness look nearly identical side by side.

I’ve shown earlier how the physical variable aperture of the iPhone 18 Pro Max produces a more authentic background blur in standard shooting, but that hardware perk matters very little in Portrait Mode since both handsets lean entirely on computational photography. They perform almost identically, isolating my colleague Mark cleanly along the shoulders, with matching skin tones, exposure levels, and edge-detection accuracy.

Switching over to their front-facing Center Stage cameras, the selfies reveal another remarkably close face-off. However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max pulls ahead with slightly cleaner dynamic range, warmer skin tones, and clearer facial detail.

At 4x zoom, both flagships capture the rowboats with nearly identical clarity — it’s really hard to tell them apart.

Pushing them to 40x zoom, however, reveals the iPhone 18 Pro Max's superior processing. It keeps the phone number's stenciled lettering crisp and legible with noticeably less artifacting. The iPhone 17 Pro Max still manages to keep the text readable, but fine details begin to soften.

Low-light performance leans in favor of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, largely because its wider f/1.48 aperture takes in more light without needing to artificially brighten the entire room. The iPhone 17 Pro Max pushes exposure a bit too far, resulting in blown-out candle highlights along the mantel and a washed-out wall that loses the moody ambiance of the scene.

That wider aperture also allows the iPhone 18 Pro Max to capture the scene at ISO 1600, resulting in noticeably less noise and grain than the iPhone 17 Pro Max at ISO 2000.

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Performance

While last year’s A19 Pro was already a beast on its own, Apple widens the gap significantly with the new 2nm-class A20 Pro silicon powering the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Synthetic benchmark tests reveal this in a substantial way, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max churning out Geekbench scores that blow away its predecessor.

Its 4,741 single-core and 12,789 multi-core scores beat the 17 Pro Max by a wide margin (3,871 and 9,968). Essentially, this translates to roughly a 22% performance increase in single-core and an even better 28% jump in multi-core. The newer Geekbench 7 test tells a similar story.

Graphics processing also sees marked improvements for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, showing an even greater divide that could be attributed to its larger, redesigned vapor chamber. In 3DMark’s Solar Bay Unlimited test, the 18 Pro Max hits an impressive 67.9 fps average (17,850 score) — which represents a massive 45% leap over the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 46.6 fps average (12,260 score).

Those benchmark numbers look great on paper, but synthetic results don’t always tell the whole story. Personally, I’ve enjoyed playing my go-to games on my iPhone 17 Pro Max — but the iPhone 18 Pro Max simply makes them look and run way better with more fluid animations and tighter, more responsive gameplay.

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Battery Life and charging

The iPhone 17 Pro Max was already an absolute endurance beast, setting an exceptionally high bar. Yet, the iPhone 18 Pro Max manages to stretch that lead even further — although I was expecting a bit more.

In the Tom’s Guide battery drain test — which involves continuous web surfing over 5G with the display calibrated to 150 nits — the iPhone 18 Pro Max turns in an average time of 18 hours and 27 minutes. That stretches out to 18 hours and 41 minutes on its longest run. This average eclipses the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s time of 17 hours and 54 minutes. In real-world terms, both are reliable two-day phones, but the 18 Pro Max gives you that extra cushion of reassurance.

Where the newer flagship truly pulls away, however, is charging speed. Apple finally upgraded the iPhone 18 Pro Max with 60W charging support for the first time. The payoff is immediate: the iPhone 18 Pro Max rockets to 44% in 15 minutes and 77% in 30 minutes, easily besting the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s slower 35% and 64% fill-ups at the same intervals.

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Software and AI

Both flagships run the latest iOS 27 software, so the experience is virtually identical with a couple of exceptions. Visually, you get the same level of customization with the interface — complete with control over Liquid Glass’ look, icon arrangement, and lock screen personalization. At the same time, both phones offer identical Apple Intelligence tools like Clean Up, notification summaries, Writing Tools, Reframe, and more.

One of the biggest driving forces that comes with these titans is the arrival of Siri AI, which works identically on both models. This turbocharged version of Apple’s virtual assistant is more proactive and aware, offering contextual responses based on whatever you’re doing — like suggesting a calendar event if someone mentions an upcoming appointment in Messages. I’ve also tested out Siri AI with the new CarPlay in iOS 27, and I can say that it’s way more reliable at handling multi-step tasks.

However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max pulls away with a couple of standout exclusive features. I’ve already pointed out the slimmer Dynamic Island, which takes advantage of the redesigned cutout to monitor three simultaneous Live Activities at once — compared to the two-activity limit on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Secondly, the 18 Pro Max exclusively packs native Pro Controls into the camera app, something Apple simply doesn’t include with the updated iOS 27 experience on the 17 Pro Max.

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Verdict

Apple didn’t just deliver a routine refresh with the iPhone 18 Pro Max — it pushed the envelope where it matters most. Pairing the physical variable aperture with native Pro Controls transforms the camera into a creative setup that could happily replace my point-and-shoot camera. Backed by the blistering performance of the A20 Pro silicon, a much brighter display, faster 60W charging, and class-leading battery endurance, the iPhone 18 Pro Max handily wins this matchup.

That said, if you already own an iPhone 17 Pro Max, you will find it hard to justify spending even more money — especially with Apple slapping a $100 price hike on the 18 Pro Max. Last year’s flagship still delivers phenomenal battery life, blazing-fast speed, and nearly the exact same iOS 27 and Siri AI software experience.

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Even before the iPhone Duo launched, Android and Samsung fans were ribbing Apple for being so late to the foldable phone party. After all, the first Galaxy Fold launched in 2019.

Right after the Apple September event, Samsung tweeted “Let us know when you're done reheating our leftovers.”

Now that we’re edging closer to the iPhone Duo pre-order date of Oct 16, I thought it would be interesting to get the reaction of Sameer Samat, who is the president of Android Ecosystem at Google.

We were sitting down to talk about the new Googlebook push, but since those laptops are powered by Android, I wanted to ask him what he thought about Apple’s foldable entry versus Android foldables.

Better late than never

As you might expect, Samat pointed out that Apple’s foldable launch is a wee bit behind the Android camp.

“I think that it's wonderful to see more people realizing after so long that the foldable space is the place to be. And Android is usually where you see the future first.”

It’s true that Android beat Apple to the foldable punch by a long shot, including the wide passport form factor the iPhone Duo has. Samat has been using the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and is a big fan of that device in particular.

“The Fold 8 is an amazing device, Samat said. “It helps me get so much work done. I actually find myself starting productivity quite often on that device, and then moving to my laptop.”

But the Duo is still a real threat

At the same time, analysts predict a big foldable phone market share for Apple. For example, Counterpoint Research says Apple will gain about 25% of the market in year one, growing to 40% by the end of 2027.

A lot of that likely has to do with the ecosystem factor. I did a story recently ranking the iPhone Duo trade-offs — from the lack of telephoto zoom to a heavier weight versus the Fold 8 — and this reader comment summed up the pent-up demand best.

“Seriously, I've been waiting since the first Galaxy Z Fold for Apple to enter the arena (tried the Fold 5 and Fold 6, but just couldn't do Android because I'm locked into the rest of Apple's ecosystem).”

Despite Apple’s momentum at the moment, Samat is confident that the Duo will have a halo effect on Android foldables, because it will only increase interest in the category overall.

“I think that what this speaks to is something that we've known for a long time in the Android ecosystem, which is that the foldable space, the foldable form factor is awesome.”

Apple = app advantage?

In addition, Apple could have a sizable advantage when it comes to app support for larger foldable displays, as it is making a big push with developers.

In fact, Apple specifically called out Slack during its event as one of the optimized apps, which as we speak still looks like a stretched out phone app on Android foldables. Apple also showed off a foldable-friendly version of Netflix.

Samat admitted that there’s still work to be done. And ironically Apple’s entry could be the tide to lift Android’s boat.

“I think that as this form factor becomes more and more popular, developers realize that there's more and more value in investing in it,” Samat said. “I think one of the things that we've done is to make the tools simpler and easier for them to invest in. And of course there are apps that haven't made that transition yet. Either they're working on it, or we're in conversations with them, but there are also thousands of thousands of apps that have.”

We talked about one of those apps in TikTok, which works very well on the Samsung Fold 8. You get an immersive viewing experience on the outside display, and on the inside you can scroll videos on the left and view comments on the right.

In addition, many of Google’s own apps have been fully optimized for foldables, including Gmail and YouTube.

“We can cherry pick an app or two that you know one platform will have or the other platform will have, but the reality is this form factor is a hit,” Samat said. “It's growing. It was growing even before these last couple weeks, and I'm glad to see more people joining what is now the obvious party.”

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo hands-on: Apple nailed it — and just put everyone else on notice
• iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
• I spent 30 minutes with the iPhone Duo — 3 things you just don't get from the pictures

The iPhone Duo is the most expensive phone Apple has ever made, and for good reason.

You get a compact 5.4-inch phone and tablet in one device with a huge 7.6-inch nano-texture display. And Apple promises unparalleled durability in the Duo’s design along with a new software experience that takes multitasking to the next level — and makes the most of all the positions you can put this foldable in.

But it’s only fair to call out the compromises for this foldable phone versus other flagship phones, including Apple’s own iPhone 18 Pro Max that I just reviewed.

What annoys me is that people are already lumping all of the missing features and trade-offs into a list of “dealbreakers” as if they’re all of equal value. Spoiler: they’re not.

As we get closer to the Oct. 16 iPhone Duo pre-order date, I think it’s worth sense checking these trade-offs. I’m scoring each trade-off on a scale of 1-10 to tell you what’s an annoyance versus an actual dealbreaker.

No telephoto zoom: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 8/10

There’s no getting around it. The iPhone Duo’s 2x optical quality zoom is not the same thing as having a dedicated telephoto lens. You’re getting that zoom via cropping on the 48MP main sensor. If you want to get closer to the action, you’ll max out at just 10x digital zoom.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max both have 4x telephoto lenses with 8x optical quality zooms. And you get a 40x digital zoom. If you like to zoom in a lot when shooting pics, don’t get the Duo.

No Face ID: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 7/10

It’s understandable why the iPhone Duo doesn’t have Face ID given that there’s less space for all of the sensors that are required for it, but it’s still a bummer because it’s such an easy way to unlock your phone. And Face ID is better than any face unlock solution on any Android phone.

Instead, you get a Touch ID sensor built into the power button on the right side. At least I’m fairly confident it will work well based on how reliable Touch ID is on the MacBook, iPad and previous iPhones.

Weight: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 6/10

The iPhone Duo is certainly compact enough to slip into your front pocket, but it’s definitely heftier than the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s main foldable rival.

Weighing 8.96 ounces, the Duo is the heaviest iPhone yet and slightly heavier than the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s 8.78 ounces.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the portability champ, weighing just 7.09 ounces. You really notice it in the hand.

But it’s worth keeping in mind that the iPhone Duo packs in some features that to many will be worth the extra weight, including IP68 durability, a vapor chamber and a digitizer layer on the display to support Apple Pencil input.

Price: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 5/10

You might have thought I would have ranked the high $2,000 price of the Duo higher on this list of dealbreakers. But it’s really more of a dealbreaker for the category as opposed to this particular phone.

After all, most foldable phones like this are in the same range. The Galaxy Fold 8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold are $100 less. Still, the price certainly skyrockets as you add more storage. We’re talking $2,200 for 512GB, $2,599 for 1TB and a whopping $3,200 for 2TB. Though the competition makes out at 1TB.

Less battery life than iPhone 18 Pro Max: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 4/10

Based on Apple’s own estimates, the iPhone Duo is going to last less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max in a charge. And that makes sense because the Duo’s dual battery system has to power a larger display.

Apple claims the iPhone Duo will last 24 hours with regular use versus 30 hours for the 18 Pro Max. But that gap grows with video playback, with the Duo rated for 31 hours and the Pro Max 45 hours. You can get up to 44 hours on the Duo’s small display.

Under-display camera: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 3.5/10

Apple decided to give the iPhone Duo an under display FaceTime camera while other companies have ditched them due to quality issues. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’d say it looks good enough for video calls but you'll want to use the front 12MP camera or even the main 48MP camera for selfies.

Lacks variable aperture and Pro Controls: ‘Dealbreaker’ score 3/10

It’s a bummer that the variable aperture main camera is limited to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It does give you more flexibility when shooting.

But the bigger annoyance for me is that Apple didn’t grace the Duo with Pro controls. Why not make it easier to control shutter speed, white balance and more?

Bottom line

When you add it all up the only real iPhone Duo dealbreaker for me is the lack of a telephoto zoom. And while I really wish it had Face ID, I can live with Touch ID.

But what about you? Are there any iPhone Duo dealbreakers high on your list or do you plan to buy despite any trade-offs? Let us know in the comments.

A lot of iPhone users are still getting to grips with the recent release of iOS 27, but that doesn't mean Apple gets to take a break. It's just released iOS 27.2 beta, which comes with a bunch more changes and upgrades for beta testers to try out.

Some of you may be wondering what happened to iOS 27.1 beta, and that's a fair question. Apparently Apple has skipped over that bit of software, and it's speculated that the iPhone Duo is the reason. The foldable will apparently arrive running iOS 27.1 out of the box, complete with all the extra software needed to run a foldable phone. Whether other devices will get iOS 27.1, or if they'll jump straight to iOS 27.2, isn't clear.

In the meantime, here are all the newest features and changes coming as part of the iOS 27.2 beta release.

Revamped Health app

Back during its September iPhone launch event, Apple confirmed that it would be revamping the Health app — and iOS 27.2 beta is our first chance to see it in action. This new version of the app is laid out with three tabs: Insight, Longevity and Browse.

Insights includes general health information, such as vitals, sleep score, heart rate and your activity rings. Longevity takes that information and applies it over time, offering a Health Age score calculated from various health metrics — including VO2 max, sleep time and activity levels. Browse is the same as it always was, offering health-based resources to help you with your fitness, or general healthy-living goals.

Call context

iOS 27.2 beta will now surface relevant information during phone calls, specifically warning you about birthdays or anniversaries. The caveat being that you need to have entered that information into the Contacts app first. You also need to call those people to get the reminder, which means you actively need to be calling them for a totally different reason.

It might be worth making sure your calendar reminders are set up properly instead. But this could be the start of even more contextual information in calls, some of which may not be quite as difficult to to forget.

CarPlay Ultra

Apple's advanced version of CarPlay isn't that widespread, but if you do have a compatible car the iOS 27.2 beta will let you select new options for the wallpaper, gauge style and overall color of your interfaces. Code references also suggest that ambient light may be supported in select vehicles, matching the overall theme.

Apple TV

The Apple TV app now includes extended profiles in iOS 27.2 beta, letting users create specific profiles for different users. All they require is a name, profile rating and whether the user is a child. Child accounts are limited to PG rated content by default, but in line with Apple's new parental controls, those settings can be adjusted based on your wishes.

Sign language interpretation is also available and can be turned on in the Apple TV app settings.

Siri

Siri AI is also now available in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish, letting those speakers use AI without having to revert to English. Meanwhile ,the Siri app has renamed "App Access" to "Excluded Apps", and tapping it lets you exclude multiple apps from Siri features in one go — rather than one at a time.

Other iOS 27.2 beta upgrades

The Clock app now features A.M. and P.M. readouts that are slightly smaller than the actual time of your alarms. The Music app has also removed some of the red accents, with shuffle and play buttons in the library now appearing black. Podcasts has also swapped the "Up Next" feature for a "New Episodes" option, and has added a "Continue Playing" option.

Apple's release notes also include an expanded App Tracking Transparency prompt for EU users, specifically those in France, Germany, Poland, Italy and Romania. This will need to be re-accepted every year.

Hidden features for the future

Deep dives into iOS 27.2 beta's code have also revealed some details on possible future features, which Apple is working on but isn't ready to roll out just yet. The first is a new release countdown timer that may be coming to Apple Music, showing you how long you have to wait before the next big album is available to listen to.

It was also discovered that the Shortcuts app may be opened to third-party developers, letting you create your own Shortcuts for apps and services that weren't made by Apple. Plus, references to an "AutoLock" feature have been uncovered, suggesting that Apple really is working on a feature to automatically detect when an iPhone has been snatched, and lock the phone down in response.

More from Tom's Guide

• 36 million iPhone owners can soon get paid from $250 million Apple Siri lawsuit — how to claim your share
• iPhone 18 Pro teardown reveals the ins and outs of the latest iPhone models — including one annoying repair issue
• I extended my iPhone's telephoto range with this add-on camera lens — and my point-and-shoot camera is officially retired