We tried iPhone Duo right after Apple’s keynote, and suddenly October feels a lot farther away. Andru Edwards, Tayllor Lloyd (@TayllorLloyd), Kevin the Tech Ninja (@Techninjaspeaks), and Miles Franklin (@MilesAboveTech) sit down on Geared Up to compare first impressions of Apple’s folding iPhone, including its matte inner display, Apple Pencil support, under-display camera, and surprisingly comfortable feel. Getting to the demo tables involved running and, in one case, jumping over theater seats. We were very calm about all of this.
Once we had it in hand, the software became a big part of the conversation. We discuss the opening animation, multitasking, and what makes the Duo feel familiar even when you’re using it in a completely different shape. But our experiences weren’t identical: Miles encountered preproduction software bugs, and we still have questions about outdoor screen visibility, the missing Face ID, and everyday camera performance. Then there’s the $2,000 buying decision. Will people who have spent years wanting a folding iPhone actually make the jump, and what could Apple’s retail presence, support, and app ecosystem mean for that decision?
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max spark a different debate: is this a smaller upgrade, or are the camera changes enough to make it exciting on their own? Taylor makes the case for variable aperture and more direct camera controls, while the rest of the table questions how much difference those features will make in practice. We also discuss Apple’s battery life and faster-charging claims, improved cooling, and why an upgrade that feels modest to an annual buyer can feel enormous to someone coming from a three- or four-year-old phone. Andru’s audience poll brings that perspective into focus: 64% of respondents said much better battery life would make them upgrade immediately.
AirPods 5 get one of the clearest reactions of the episode: noise cancellation in the $129 base model is a welcome move. We break down the differences discussed between the two versions, including battery life with ANC enabled, wireless charging, and stem volume controls. There’s also a very personal ear-tip debate, because the most impressive earbuds in the world still have to fit your ears.
Apple Watch Series 12 has us talking about both its new capabilities and the return of ceramic. The white finish is tempting enough to make one longtime Ultra wearer consider switching, but the bigger discussion centers on the announced health features, readiness information, and more frequent heart-rate readings. We also explore the proposed AI day-recap experience and why having those features on a device you already wear could be more useful than adding another gadget to your routine.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 rounds out our watch conversation, although the discussion focuses more on the shared software and health direction than on a separate Ultra hands-on assessment. We talk about the new chip, processing more AI tasks on the watch itself, and how Apple’s approach compares with the fitness trackers already on our wrists. That leads to the device some of us still want Apple to make: a screenless companion for sleep and recovery that works alongside the watch. These are our reactions fresh from the event, with longer-term testing still ahead.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Welcome to iPhone Duo at Apple Park
02:26 - Duo is A Major Addition to iPhone
03:21 - Behind the Scenes at Apple Park iPhone Duo Event
04:55 - iPhone Duo Hands-on Impressions
16:20 Missing Features, Launch Timing, and the $2,000 Question
21:23 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Upgrade Debate
22:32 - iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Thoughts
29:43 Battery Life and What Actually Makes People Upgrade
33:34 AirPods 5 and Noise Cancellation for $129
36:51 - Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4 Thoughts
#apple #iphoneduo #applepark #iphone18pro #appleevent
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