Official iPhone Duo Cases Reach Stores With Adhesive Shells and Fabric Folios

Apple’s first dedicated cases for its folding phone reached store shelves today, the same day preorders opened for the device itself. Buyers who secured an iPhone Duo for delivery next week can walk out with protection already in hand, even as phone stock thins and shipping dates stretch into January for many configurations. Two options sit on the racks: a $79 Case two-part shell and a $129 Folio with a built-in stand.

The more affordable case is divided into two separate parts, giving the hinge some flexibility to move about. One half wraps around the back and camera, while the other covers the outer corners of the display, leaving the screen unobstructed. The case is composed of a strong polycarbonate that has been coated in a matte finish, and it comes in Sand or Navy Blue. In the middle of the back half, there is a large Apple logo. For charging, you get the standard MagSafe functionality. Simply place your charger or Qi2 25-watt pad down, and the magnets will do the rest; however, you must still connect the halves together, which requires peeling off a sticky film, placing each piece in place, and pressing down firmly to ensure it sticks. The titanium hinge remains exposed, and when you open the phone flat, the screen receives no protection. You can still access the ports and buttons, and the entire piece is still rather thin, so when the Duo is closed, it does not inflate out significantly.

The Folio, on the other hand, takes a different approach and costs $129. It’s made of TechWoven, a technological fabric woven from recycled polyester yarns, and it comes in Taupe or Navy Blue, but there’s no sticky backing on this one; it’s simply kept on by magnets. So when you close it, the entire outer screen is concealed, so if you want to check a notice or the clock, you must first open the flap. On the other hand, you do get a useful metal hinged kickstand that folds out in a variety of orientations, allowing you to view videos, read a book, or simply chat. When you’re finished, everything folds flat again. Wireless charging continues to work, whether the case is closed or the stand is removed. However, protection is spotty on the side edges, and the fabric provides a somewhat different grip than the matte plastic used in the cheaper case.


Both the Case and the Folio feature the same built-in magnets and tell the same story about spending thousands of hours testing before shipping. For $79, you get a case that keeps the exterior display visible at all times, while the folio costs $129 and includes a stand and a book-style cover. Early users of the shell have reported that the sticky adhesive is similar to that found on other folding phones, secure once in place but a hassle to change around. The folio eliminates that bother, and it feels much nicer when you prop it up. If you’ve already purchased a Duo, you can have both colors in both products right now, and if your phone is scheduled for arrival next week, you can match your case to it.