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The MacRumors Show: iPhone Duo Arrives, Touchscreen MacBooks Next

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the reception to the iPhone Duo as it goes on sale today, what to expect from next week's "Pro and tell" experience, and the iPod's 25th anniversary.


The iPhone Duo launches today, starting at $1,999, with a 5.4-inch outer display that unfolds into a 7.6-inch inner display. Early reviews present a mixed picture of a device that brings fresh ideas to the iPhone, but asks users to accept some significant compromises.

The matte inner display has emerged as a particular highlight, reducing reflections and making the crease less noticeable while providing more space for reading, watching videos, editing photos, and multitasking. Premium construction and performance also make a positive impression, but the software experience is less consistent. Unoptimized apps, wasted screen space, and unfamiliar controls can make the larger display feel underused.

Reviewers are also divided over how comfortably iPhone Duo handles quick, everyday tasks. Some find the outer screen perfectly adequate for messaging and quick interactions, while others consider it to be restrictive. Its weight and width complicate one-handed use, returning to Touch ID takes adjustment, and the cameras fall short of Apple's Pro models. Our own first 24 hours with the device highlight many of these same trade-offs, alongside the appeal of side-by-side multitasking. We consider whether carrying a larger screen outweighs those compromises, or whether better app support and future hardware will make a more convincing case.

Apple's next product announcement is already approaching, with the "Pro and tell" experience scheduled for October 28 in Los Angeles. Redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to headline the announcements, combining OLED displays with the first touchscreens on a Mac.

The redesigned machines are rumored to feature lighter, potentially thinner designs, a reinforced hinge for touch input, and a Dynamic Island replacing the "notch." They are expected to retain M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, making the display and design the main new features.

A redesigned iPad mini is also expected, featuring an OLED display, the A20 Pro chip, a landscape front-facing camera, and a redesigned speaker system. Water resistance could also be present for the first time on an iPad. Apple is also expected to bring the M6 chip to the iMac and entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro.

Finally, we mark 25 years since Apple introduced the original iPod on October 23, 2001. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.

You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player.

If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our predictions about the HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and new Apple TV 4K prior to their official announcement.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by familiar guests such as Tyler Stalman, Michael Fisher, Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

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Top Rated Comments

16 hours ago at 10:23 am
Another solid episode gentlemen. Appreciate the banter, balanced opinions, insights-the works. Until next week! Thanks.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
18 hours ago at 09:07 am
People queued outside my Apple Store in Miami the night before the iPhone 18 Pro so queueing is apparently still a thing.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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