iPhone Duo Fails to Deliver on Multitasking Promise

For one day, I put aside my laptop and worked exclusively on the iPhone Duo, a device that promises to revolutionize mobile productivity by doubling as both a phone and a workstation.

The idea of using a single gadget for all tasks is an intriguing one - but does it make sense to spend extra money on a device capable of handling two devices' workload? I decided to put this concept to the test by writing my entire review on the iPhone Duo.

Optimizing for its larger screen, I used Bear, a note-taking app that performed well on the Duo's display. To my surprise, I didn't find the experience as grueling as expected - despite having run similar experiments with Android foldables and smart glasses in the past.

However, iOS poses unique challenges, particularly when it comes to using external input devices. Unlike other operating systems, iOS doesn't automatically recognize Bluetooth mice or trackpads; instead, users must manually enable AssistiveTouch in the phone's accessibility settings to utilize an iPad-like cursor for navigating the interface and selecting text.

The iPhone Duo's limitations were most apparent during tasks that require precision and multitasking. For instance, editing photos or documents required switching between apps on my desktop computer, as iOS doesn't allow for precise control over app windows.

iOS restricts how users can view multiple apps at once, unlike many other operating systems. When using split-screen mode, the two apps are displayed equally, with no option to adjust the proportion of screen space allocated to each one. This limitation is particularly frustrating when working on a project that requires viewing multiple files or references simultaneously.

Another example of iOS's restrictive multitasking features is its inability to stack apps vertically in portrait orientation. Instead, users can only pin video apps to the top of the screen with another app below, limiting flexibility and creativity.

The iPhone Duo did offer some useful features, such as "app pairs, which allow users to pin two apps together for easy access. This feature was a welcome convenience, but it didn't compensate for the many limitations imposed by iOS's restrictive multitasking policies.

The versatility of the iPhone Duo proved to be a valuable asset when multitasking was required. For instance, pairing email and calendar apps together allowed for seamless access to both at any time, making it simple to navigate between them.

To augment my iPhone Duo experience, I opted to use an external keyboard - specifically, a Seenda folding Bluetooth model that, while not ideal, served its purpose. With the rise of mobile workstations, compact keyboards designed for on-the-go productivity are likely to become increasingly popular, offering users greater flexibility and convenience when working remotely.

The addition of Apple's iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand helped keep my phone at a comfortable viewing angle, allowing me to focus on tasks without straining my neck. Various MagSafe accessories were also available for use, providing further options for propping up the device during prolonged work sessions.

Using the iPhone Duo proved to be a challenge when it came to multitasking, and I found myself missing features like the iPad's Slide Over function that allows users to hide" a floating app off to the side.

This feature would have been particularly useful for messaging apps like Slack or WhatsApp, allowing me to keep them open without interrupting my split-screen experience. Unfortunately, Gmail was another story altogether, with its outdated interface looking particularly awkward on the Duo's 4-inch outer screen.

The lack of support from Google's workspace apps, aside from the recently updated Google Search app, was noticeable and frustrating at times, but I'm optimistic that full compatibility will be achieved soon, possibly even by this Friday when the Duo is officially launched.

After using the iPhone Duo for a full day, I can attest that it's not feasible to replace a laptop entirely with this device, at least not yet.

The 6-inch canvas of the iPhone Duo proved to be a decent workspace when paired with a portable keyboard and kickstand, allowing me to complete focused tasks efficiently. However, the lack of support from other Google apps was noticeable and sometimes frustrating.

In the end, it's clear that even with its limitations, the iPhone Duo has potential as a versatile productivity tool, especially once Apple Pencil support arrives later this year.