Apple’s iPhone Duo goes on sale October 23, but buyers will have to wait for a software update to use Reachability, the accessibility feature that makes it easier to operate an iPhone with one hand.
The omission was discovered during an early review of Apple’s foldable iPhone, with Apple confirming that Reachability will arrive in an update later this year.
Reachability has been a standard iPhone feature for years. By swiping down along the bottom edge of the screen, users can temporarily lower the interface, bringing buttons and menus closer to their thumb without changing their grip.
Why Reachability Matters More on the iPhone Duo
The missing feature is particularly noticeable given the Duo’s unusual design.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has a 5.4-inch outer display that opens into a much larger 7.6-inch screen, making it difficult to reach certain controls while holding the device with one hand.
Reachability would help address that problem, especially when using the expanded display, where navigation elements can sit well beyond comfortable thumb reach.
Apple hasn’t explained why the feature wasn’t ready for launch or whether the upcoming update will enable it on both screens. The company has only committed to releasing it before the end of 2026.
Other Features Are Missing at Launch
Reachability isn’t the only familiar Apple feature buyers will have to wait for. Apple Pencil support is also absent at launch, although it’s expected to arrive with iOS 27.2.
Other compromises are tied to the Duo’s hardware. Apple replaced Face ID with Touch ID, while its under-display camera for video calls has received criticism from early reviewers over disappointing image quality.
Availability presents another challenge. Reports of severe supply constraints suggest that customers without pre-orders will have little chance of finding an iPhone Duo in stores on October 23.
Apple retail employees have reportedly been instructed to discourage walk-in customers from visiting specifically to purchase the foldable.
Despite those limitations, the Duo launches with more than 50 apps optimized for its dual-display interface.
Apple will also introduce a “Made for iPhone Duo” badge in the App Store to help users identify third-party apps designed for the foldable.
For early buyers, Reachability and Apple Pencil support remain promised additions rather than features they’ll be able to use when their $1,999 device arrives.
