iPhone Duo Users Find Fixed Sidebar Blocks 15 Percent of Small Screen

Fifteen percent of the 5.4-inch outer display on the iPhone Duo is currently occupied by a fixed sidebar, according to early user assessments. This dedicated space remains reserved for the dock even when the device is not in use, reducing the available area for primary content.

The Verge’s Allison Johnson noted that the iPhone Duo feels harder to operate with one hand than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The Fold 8 features a taller and narrower physical design, which makes its cover screen easier to manage for single-handed interaction.

Apple intended the sidebar to simplify navigation on the smaller screen. However, the placement of the dock on the right side leaves a substantial portion of the display unused. A post on Twitter/X illustrated the stark difference in screen real estate between the iPhone Duo and the Z Fold 8.

The comparison depends partly on user settings. In a video by The Verge, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was configured to use a navigation bar rather than gestures. This setup makes the screen loss on the iPhone Duo appear less extreme. For users who rely on navigation gestures on the Z Fold 8, very little screen space is wasted.

Apple is attempting a space-saving solution by restricting the allowed area for apps. This approach stretches media to appear taller, similar to a standard slab device. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers a contrasting method by leaving the full space free for main content, which has proven effective for Samsung.

The iPhone Duo is already available, though its reach is currently limited. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to succeed for Samsung. The hardware on the iPhone Duo looks promising, but iOS implementation leaves room for improvement as this is Apple's first attempt at this form factor.