iPhone Duo gets GarageBand and Apple Pencil support
Apple today updated its TestFlight and GarageBand apps, adding support for both the inner and outer displays of the iPhone Duo. Both apps now feature a vertical toolbar and display correctly in any orientation.
TestFlight’s functionality remains largely unchanged, and the dual-display offers few advantages. GarageBand, on the other hand, features a wide layout that makes optimal use of the internal screen. This provides a larger user interface for music editing and the use of touch instruments such as keyboards and guitars.
TestFlight and GarageBand are both free Apple apps.
Apple iPhone Duo will soon receive Apple Pencil support and one-handed use
When Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo in September, they stated that support for the Apple Pencil would follow “later this year.” Since the foldable smartphone only went on sale this Friday, and Apple typically releases its major software updates in December, it seemed Duo owners would have to wait a while longer. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
According to a tipster on X, Apple Pencil support is included and working in the iOS 27.2 preview released on Monday. iOS 27.2 is expected to be released on or around October 26th. So, anyone who managed to pre-order the iPhone Duo only has a few more days to wait.
There is, however, a catch: The Duo only works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C). Other models are not compatible. Owners of an Apple Pencil Pro or an older Pencil must therefore purchase the USB-C version, which costs €89/$79 in the Apple Store. According to Apple, notes can be taken, sketches made, or documents edited on both displays of the Duo.
In this context, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce one-handed operation on the iPhone Duo later this year. On other iPhones, this feature lowers the top half of the screen to facilitate one-handed use. On the Duo, however, tapping the left or right edges of the screen brings them within reach. It is not yet known in which iOS version this feature will be available.
