Apple's first foldable iPhone is arriving, and some popular apps like Instagram leave empty space on its screens. Past launches suggest updates will fix it.
The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone, is reaching buyers, and some of their favorite apps will look off. Apps like Instagram leave unused space or crop awkwardly on its new screen shapes. CNET's phone reviewers say the same thing happened with earlier big phone changes, and apps were fixed over time.
Apple's own apps suit the Duo's dimensions at launch. Many third-party apps do not yet. The front screen is squat and wide, and the inner display has a 4:3 shape. Some apps are already tuned to the device, but others are not. Some Duo owners got their phones today, while others may wait until January.
CNET's Andy Lanxon said the first Samsung Galaxy Fold, which launched in early 2019, had the same issue. Many apps looked squashed on its larger inner screen. Scott Stein recalled that apps not yet updated for the iPhone X in 2017 showed black bars above and below. Jessica Dolcourt said that on the first Fold, some third-party apps were barely usable at the start.
Foldables are hard for app makers. An app must jump between two screens and rearrange itself each time the phone opens or closes.
Android foldables also have years of head start. Most apps now fit the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 well, helped by years of Google updates for flexible screens.
No one can say when a given app will be updated. CNET notes that Instagram took 15 years to get an iPad-native app. Developers do have more help now than when the first Android foldables arrived.
Buyers should expect a few rough spots at first. Check for app updates in the coming weeks and months, since fixes will arrive app by app.
If you buy an iPhone Duo, expect some apps to look off at first and keep checking for app updates.
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