Apple says developers are reimagining apps for foldable iPhone Duo

Apple is positioning its first foldable iPhone as more than a larger-screen device: The company says iPhone Duo could give small business owners a pocket-sized workstation for handling customer communications, video meetings, content creation, travel and field operations.

Apple announced Thursday that more than 2,000 developers have attended workshops focused on adapting apps for iPhone Duo, which launches Friday, October 23, in more than 70 countries and regions. The phone starts at $1,999 in the United States, putting it firmly in the premium business-device category.

The company says iPhone Duo’s inner display is 50 percent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max display. Users can also operate it closed, fully open or partially folded. Apple says both displays share the same aspect ratio, allowing apps to move between screens and scale proportionally.

Key takeaways for small businesses:

• iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, or $83.29 per month for 24 months in the U.S.
• Apple’s new Split View feature allows two iPhone apps to run side by side.
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Zoom, Slack and Salesforce are among the business apps being updated for the larger display.
• Creative professionals can edit video, review transcripts and use on-device artificial intelligence tools.
• The phone’s price, app availability and potential financing obligations could limit its value for some small firms.
• Apple says apps optimized for the device will carry a “Made for iPhone Duo” badge in the App Store.

For a small business owner, the most immediate benefit could be reduced dependence on a laptop during travel or customer visits. Apple says Microsoft Word will place formatting tools alongside a document, while Outlook will show the inbox beside a full email message. That could make it easier to review proposals, make edits and respond to clients without switching between screens.

Zoom will use the inner display to show shared content and meeting participants at the same time. Slack will present more of a company workspace in one view, and Salesforce will display more customer-management dashboards. Those features could help sales representatives, contractors, consultants and service businesses manage work from a job site or client meeting.

Calendar and task-management apps are also receiving larger-screen layouts. Fantastical will show calendars, tasks and menus together, while Notewise, Things and Bear are designed to place notes, documents and organizational tools on screen at once.

“Fantastical has always been about seeing your day at a glance, and iPhone Duo gives us more room to do that than any iPhone before it,” said Michael Simmons, cofounder and CEO of Flexibits, the maker of Fantastical and Cardhop. “With calendars, tasks, and menus visible together on the inner display, it feels like the full Fantastical experience from Mac and iPad, right in your pocket. And with Split View, you can easily look up contact details with Cardhop or plan your week right next to your inbox.”

The device may also appeal to small businesses that create marketing materials in-house. Apple says Instagram will show more posts and Stories at once, while Instagram’s Edits will give creators a larger editing workspace. Video-editing app VLLO will provide more controls and footage on screen simultaneously.

Detail, a video and podcast production app, will use Apple’s Core AI framework to run artificial intelligence models directly on the device. Its founder says that design could help creators edit interviews while keeping certain processing tasks local.

“iPhone Duo gives us room to put the video and its transcript side by side, which is exactly how creators want to edit podcasts and interviews,” said Paul Veugen, Detail’s founder and CEO. “Editing on the inner display feels as natural as editing a document, and because our AI models run on device, captions, filler-word removal, and audio enhancement are fast and private wherever creators are.”

That combination could matter to freelancers, real estate professionals, event companies and local retailers that need to produce social media videos quickly. However, businesses should verify whether their preferred apps support the device’s specialized layouts. Apple says many apps built with standard SwiftUI and UIKit components will adapt automatically, but custom experiences may require additional development.

The business case extends beyond office work. Delivery, travel and field-service apps could benefit from the larger display. Apple says Lyft will show ride options alongside a larger route map, while American Airlines will put boarding passes, seat selection and terminal maps within easy reach. DoorDash plans to add larger-map delivery tracking later this year. Yelp will place maps and reviews side by side, potentially making it easier for customers to compare local businesses.

For merchants, that may create both an opportunity and a challenge. More screen space could make product listings, menus and reviews easier for customers to browse. Apple says Shop will display more products and order information, while LTK will show creator videos and featured products in the same view. But businesses may need to revisit how their websites, online stores and advertising appear on foldable screens. A mobile page that works well on a standard phone may not automatically provide a strong experience across multiple poses and screen sizes.

Apple also highlighted apps for cooking, home improvement, travel, fitness and entertainment. NYT Cooking will show recipes, timers and instructional videos when the partially folded phone sits on a counter. Lowe’s will provide more room to inspect materials and finishes, and OpenTable will keep restaurant information, availability and booking tools together.

The phone’s hardware could be useful for businesses that rely on sustained performance. Apple says the A20 Pro chip and a custom vapor chamber deliver up to 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro. That may help during lengthy video calls, intensive editing sessions or graphics-heavy applications, although real-world performance will depend on workload and app optimization.

Cost remains the clearest barrier. At $1,999, iPhone Duo costs substantially more than many conventional smartphones and may compete with the budget for a laptop, tablet or several lower-cost employee devices. Apple offers a leasing program through Klarna, with advertised 24-month payments starting at $57.99, but the company notes that approval depends on creditworthiness, carrier eligibility and other terms. Apple also warns that ending a lease early may result in a substantial charge.

Businesses should calculate the total cost, including cellular service, AppleCare, storage and software subscriptions. iCloud+ starts at 99 cents per month, and AppleCare coverage adds another potential expense. Companies that issue devices to employees should also consider mobile-device management, security policies, data separation and repair procedures before standardizing on the phone.

Apple says additional app updates will roll out throughout the year, meaning the launch-day experience may not represent the final business value of the platform. Developers can use new iOS 27.1 APIs to respond to the hinge angle, move controls away from the fold and display content across both screens. Apple has also released an Xcode simulator that lets developers test the phone in different positions.

“The response to iPhone Duo from our developer community has been incredible, and we’re inspired by how quickly they’ve embraced its larger display and new ways to interact,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “From watching popular shows and content on the expansive inner display to multitasking across windows or playing console-quality games, developers around the world are reimagining what their apps can do. We can’t wait for users to discover these experiences beginning this Friday, with many more app experiences to follow.”

For small business owners, the practical question is not whether iPhone Duo can replace every other device. It is whether the larger screen, flexible design and emerging app support can eliminate enough friction in daily work to justify its premium price. Companies considering a purchase may want to start by checking the apps their teams use most, confirming support for iPhone Duo and comparing the cost against a traditional phone-plus-laptop setup.

Apple’s full announcement is available on its Newsroom website.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, “Apple says developers are reimagining apps for foldable iPhone Duo” was first published on Small Business Trends

5 Tips to Answer Performance Review Questions Effectively

When it comes to performance reviews, you need a solid strategy to showcase your value. Start by gathering specific examples of your achievements, and think about your strengths and areas to improve. Prepare to answer questions clearly, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. Stay open to feedback, and use it to set measurable goals for your growth. These steps will help you navigate the review process. But how do you guarantee your responses resonate?

Key Takeaways

• Prepare specific examples of your contributions to showcase during the review.
• Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement to demonstrate self-awareness.
• Engage actively by listening to feedback and asking clarifying questions.
• Create a clear action plan based on feedback to set measurable goals.
• Foster an open dialogue to encourage ongoing communication and collaboration.

Why Your Performance Review Matters?

Performance reviews matter because they’re your chance to gain valuable feedback that can shape your career. When you receive constructive criticism, it helps you understand where you excel and where you can improve.

Consider using positive ways to say needs improvement, like “I’d like to enhance my skills in this area” rather than framing it negatively. This approach keeps the conversation productive.

To effectively answer performance review questions, prepare in advance. Reflect on your achievements and think about areas where you’d like to grow.

Use specifics to illustrate your points. For example, if you need to improve time management, you might say, “I’m working on prioritizing tasks better to meet deadlines.”

Reflect on Your Accomplishments and Growth

Reflecting on your accomplishments can greatly enhance your performance review experience. Start by identifying specific metrics that demonstrate your contributions, like revenue growth or project success rates. This not only shows your value but also provides concrete evidence of your work.

Next, think about how you’ve grown since your last review. Highlight areas where you’ve improved, addressing weaknesses or new skills you’ve developed.

Prepare detailed examples of your successes to create a narrative about your professional journey. This approach illustrates not just what you achieved, but how you overcame challenges along the way.

Regularly review your performance against your personal goals to track your progress. Finally, connect your accomplishments to the organization’s values and goals, reinforcing your role as a committed team member.

This preparation will make your performance review discussion more focused and impactful.

Crafting Effective Responses to Performance Review Questions

When you face performance review questions, crafting effective responses can make a significant impact on your discussion. To do this well, consider these steps:

1. Prepare Specific Examples: Think of accomplishments and metrics that highlight your contributions. Quantifiable data adds credibility to your claims.
2. Self-Reflect: Identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Have a clear plan ready for how you’ll address any shortcomings discussed, demonstrating your commitment to growth.
3. Engage Actively: Listen carefully during the review. This helps you understand feedback and respond thoughtfully, showing your dedication to both personal and professional development.

Engage Your Reviewer in Open Dialogue

Engaging your reviewer in open dialogue is a powerful way to enhance your performance review experience. It fosters a collaborative atmosphere, making you feel valued and heard. Start by asking clarifying questions about the feedback you receive; this shows you’re actively listening and encourages a two-way conversation.

Share specific examples of your accomplishments and challenges to invite constructive discussion. This approach allows both you and your reviewer to explore growth areas together. Keep an open mind; being receptive to feedback can transform criticism into opportunities for growth.

To maintain ongoing dialogue, consider regularly requesting feedback throughout the year. This helps align your performance with organizational goals.

Here’s a simple table to guide your discussion points:

Apply Feedback and Set Goals for Future Growth

Applying feedback from your performance review is essential for your growth and career advancement. To make the most of the feedback, follow these steps:

1. Listen and Note: Actively listen during the review, jotting down key points. This helps you remember important feedback for future reference.
2. Reflect and Plan: Take time to reflect on the feedback. Create a specific action plan that outlines clear steps to improve in the identified areas.
3. Set Goals: Establish measurable and achievable goals that align with both your career aspirations and your organization’s objectives.

Don’t forget to schedule follow-up meetings to discuss your progress, reinforcing accountability and ongoing dialogue with your supervisor.

Use the feedback as motivation to seek additional training or resources to enhance the skills you’ve identified for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Best Answer Performance Review Questions?

To best answer performance review questions, start by summarizing your accomplishments with specific examples and metrics. This shows your progress clearly.

Listen actively to feedback and engage in the discussion. Acknowledge areas for improvement, explaining what steps you’ve taken and your plans for growth.

Finally, ask thoughtful questions about your performance and career development, showing your commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with company goals. This approach fosters a constructive dialogue.

What Not to Say During a Performance Review?

During a performance review, don’t say, “I did my best” without specifics; instead, share concrete examples of your achievements.

Avoid negative comparisons to colleagues, as it reflects poorly on your professionalism.

Don’t focus solely on shortcomings; instead, present a plan for improvement.

Refrain from dismissing feedback as irrelevant, and avoid making excuses for unmet goals.

Instead, explain obstacles faced and highlight the proactive steps you took to overcome them.

What Are the 5 Most Meaningful Questions to Ask in a Performance Review as a Leader?

As a leader, ask these five meaningful questions during a performance review:

1. What progress have you made on your top goals?
2. How can I better support you in your role?
3. Where do you see opportunities for your growth?
4. Do you feel your performance aligns with team priorities?
5. What steps do you think you need to reach the next level in your career?

These questions foster engagement and clarity.

What Are the Three Core Questions of Performance Reviews?

The three core questions of performance reviews are: What achievements have you made since the last review? What areas do you see for improvement? And what goals do you want to set for the future?

Reflect on your accomplishments, be honest about where you can grow, and think about clear objectives that align with your team’s goals.

This approach helps create a constructive dialogue with your supervisor and guides your development.

Conclusion

To conclude, prepare for your performance review by reflecting on your achievements and identifying areas for improvement. Use specific examples to craft responses that highlight your contributions. Engage in open dialogue with your reviewer, asking questions for clarity and showing that you’re receptive to feedback. Finally, set measurable goals based on the discussion, demonstrating your commitment to growth. By actively participating in this process, you can turn your performance review into a valuable tool for your professional development.

Image via Google Gemini and Small Business Trends

This article, “5 Tips to Answer Performance Review Questions Effectively” was first published on Small Business Trends