Apple’s Newest iPhone May Be Hollywood’s Best Friend
Apple’s iPhone Duo could give streaming services a new way to present films and television on a phone, with a large fold-out screen designed for longer-form viewing. Its launch comes as viewing habits have shifted towards vertical video and short-form content, making the device a potential opportunity for Hollywood’s premium video business.
The Duo has a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, and can also be used partly folded or with two apps open at once. Netflix has adapted its interface so video and controls can occupy separate halves, while MLB combines live games with statistics and The New York Times places recipe videos alongside instructions. Starting at $1,999, the phone is expensive and currently limited in availability, so its broader impact remains uncertain.
In short
- Apple’s foldable phone gives streaming video a larger screen.
- Apps are adapting layouts for its different positions.
- Its $1,999 starting price may limit its reach.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The fold-out display could make phones more suitable for films, television and live sport by offering a larger viewing area and room for useful controls or companion material. If viewers spend more time with premium video on mobile, the device may give streaming services a fresh way to reach audiences as viewing habits change.
The case against
A larger screen alone may not persuade people to watch longer programmes on a phone, especially as short-form and vertical video have become established habits. At $1,999 and with limited availability, the Duo may remain a niche device, leaving its influence on streaming services and Hollywood uncertain.
Explained simply
Foldable phones have a screen that opens out to give users more viewing space, while still fitting in a pocket when closed. Apple’s Duo has a smaller outer screen and a larger inner one, which could make watching films and television on a phone feel closer to using a small tablet.
Streaming services and other media companies can adapt their apps to use the extra space, for example by showing video alongside controls or related information. The phone is costly and its availability is limited, so it remains uncertain how widely people will use it or whether it will change how audiences watch longer programmes.
Entertainment Film Gadgets Technology