iPhone Duo how-to

The inner screen does the most when you know what it can do. These guides cover setup, the iPadOS-style multitasking that's new to iPhone, the postures, Apple Pencil, and the settings worth changing on day one.

By Mike Johnson

Start here

VideosHow-to walkthroughsSetup and Split View, shown on video.AppsProductivity appsApps updated for the inner display.CareLooking after the inner displayWhat's normal, and Apple's October 26 acknowledgement.NewsiOS 27.2 adds Apple PencilWhat changed on October 26.

Setup 6

The first hour.

Set up a new iPhone DuoStep by step.
Transfer from another iPhoneQuick Start and iCloud.
Switch from AndroidMove to iOS and what won't come across.
Move your eSIMCarrier by carrier.
Set up Touch ID properlyEnroll for open and closed use.
First settings to changeDisplay, StandBy, battery.

Multitasking 3

The reason for the inner screen.

Split ViewTwo apps side by side, in a fixed 50/50 layout.
Drag and drop between appsText, images, files.
Keyboard on the inner screenIncluding the split keyboard when the phone is partly folded.

Postures and screens 6

Open, closed, and in between.

StandBy modeNightstand and desk use.
Tent and laptop modesHalf-open layouts.
Half-open cameraHands-free shooting.
Selfies with the rear camerasUsing the outer screen as a viewfinder.
Continuity between screensHanding apps across the fold.
Rotation and layout settingsWhen apps won't rotate.

Apple Pencil 5

Apple Pencil comes to iPhone.

Apple Pencil on iPhone DuoCompatible model and pairing.
Handwritten notesNotes, Freeform, Goodnotes.
Sign and annotate PDFsFiles and Mail.
Drawing apps that support PencilProcreate and others.
Pencil tips and limitationsNo pressure sensitivity, and what that means.

Care and settings 8

Keeping it working well.

Clean the inner screenWhat's safe on the matte layer.
Protect the creaseHabits that help.
Extend battery lifeThe settings that matter.
Manage storageWith two screens' worth of apps.
Privacy on two screensLock and notification settings.
Accessibility on the DuoDisplay zoom and reachability.
Back up and restoreBefore any service visit.
iPhone Duo tipsThe master list.

Software updates 4

What each release changes for the Duo.

iOS 27 features for iPhone DuoThe folding-screen features.
iOS 27.2Apple Pencil support and Edge Light for video calls.
Should you update?What each release changes.
Known issues by versionTracked from owner reports.

Common questions

Does the iPhone Duo support Apple Pencil?

Yes, the USB-C Apple Pencil, on both screens, from iOS 27.2 (released October 26). It supports tilt but not pressure, and hover isn't supported on the Duo. Other Pencil models don't pair.

Can I run two apps at once?

Yes. Split View puts two apps side by side on the inner display, in a fixed 50/50 layout.