Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has drawn criticism because its name recalls Microsoft’s Surface Duo range. However, the article argues that claims Apple copied Microsoft are not entirely fair, since Apple previously used “Duo” for its PowerBook Duo laptop line and has also used it for the MagSafe Duo Charger.

Microsoft launched the Surface Duo in 2020 and the Surface Duo 2 a year later, but both received mixed or poor reviews for their software, design and limited practicality. Microsoft cancelled plans for a Surface Duo 3 in 2023, while early impressions suggest Apple’s foldable may offer stronger multitasking capabilities and could be better received, despite the shared name.