Apple's first foldable iPhone model, the iPhone Duo, stands out with an aspect ratio different from other foldable phones on the market. While models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Google Pixel Fold, and Honor Magic V opt for a longer and narrower design, Apple chose to use a wider form factor for the Duo. Company executives explained the approach behind this unusual design.
Inspired by Notebooks and A-Series Papers
Apple Design Director Molly Anderson stated in an interview with British GQ that the iPhone Duo's design was inspired by traditional notebooks. Apple's goal was to have a compact structure when the device is closed, while offering users a much wider screen area when opened.
At the core of Apple's design approach is the aspect ratio of paper. According to GQ, the iPhone Duo's proportions are inspired by the international A-series paper format. A common feature of paper sizes like A4, A5, and A6 is that they maintain the same aspect ratio when folded in half. Apple applied a similar principle to the iPhone Duo, aiming for the device to have as similar a form factor as possible, both closed and open.
Aiming for a Natural Transition from Outer to Inner Screen
The iPhone Duo's design incorporates a unique approach not only in hardware but also in the software experience. Steve Lemay, Apple's Vice President of Human Interface Design, stated that the company did not want users to feel like they were transitioning to an entirely different product when opening the device. Lemay explained this philosophy by saying, "We didn't want you to feel like you were launching a different operating system when you opened the device. And you'd never have to search for the button you were just looking at."
For this reason, the inner screen was designed not as a separate interface that completely replaces the existing iPhone experience, but as a screen that extends the current experience. Apple also developed a special unfolding animation to make the transition from the outer screen to the inner screen as natural as possible.
With this animation, the aim is to create the sensation that the outer screen virtually expands and transforms into the wider inner screen during the unfolding of the mechanism. Thus, instead of switching between two different screens, the user feels that the same experience is being carried over to a larger surface.
It is evident that Apple designed the hardware, software, and animations together according to the iPhone Duo's unique form factor. The company's approach also highlights that software is as crucial as hardware in foldable phones.
Apple also expects developers to create new usage scenarios for the iPhone Duo that the company has not yet foreseen. As the device becomes more widespread in daily use, it will become clearer over time what new applications and forms of use the wide inner screen will bring forth.
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