The upcoming iOS update will likely bring the Reachability accessibility tool to the foldable iPhone, helping users manage the large screen with one hand.
Key points
- Apple plans to add Reachability to the iPhone Duo in an update this year.
- The feature helps users access top screen elements on the 7.6-inch display.
- Current controls are fixed on the right side, limiting left-handed usability.
Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo is expected to receive the Reachability accessibility feature in an upcoming software update later this year, according to CNET. This change aims to improve one-handed usability on the device’s large screens.
What happened
Apple’s iPhone Duo officially goes on sale on Friday, with delivery estimates already slipping into January due to high demand, as Crypt Weekly reported on October 18. CNET reports that the device should gain the Reachability setting in a future iOS update. This feature allows users to lower the top portion of the display, making distant buttons and apps easier to reach with a single hand.
CNET reviewer Abrar Al-Heeti noted that current controls, including the App Dock and Dynamic Island, are fixed on the right side of both the cover and inner displays. This layout favors right-handed users and makes navigation difficult for left-handed individuals or those with smaller hands. Al-Heeti stated that while two-handed use is manageable, Reachability would make the large 7.6-inch inner display feel less unwieldy.
Reachability has been part of iOS since 2014, introduced with the iPhone 6. The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. Apple has not specified how the feature will function on the foldable device, but speculation suggests it will assist with both horizontal and vertical navigation. Representatives did not immediately comment on the upcoming feature.
Why it matters
Accessibility features like Reachability are essential for ensuring devices are usable by people with varying physical abilities. When hardware designs change, such as with larger foldable screens, existing software tools must adapt to maintain ease of use. Teams usually evaluate how new screen sizes impact one-handed interaction. Check whether current interface placements accommodate all users before finalizing hardware designs.
The fix
- Monitor official Apple channels for iOS update announcements regarding the iPhone Duo.
- Review accessibility settings in your current iOS version to understand existing tools.
- Wait for the confirmed software update before expecting Reachability on the Duo.
- Provide feedback to Apple through their accessibility contact forms if issues persist.
Why it matters
Hardware and software updates often arrive at different times, requiring users to adapt. When a new device launches without full software optimization, early adopters may experience usability gaps. Teams usually prioritize critical functionality first, then add refinements like accessibility tweaks in subsequent updates. Check whether your specific device model supports the latest features before purchasing.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Check your iOS settings for any early access or beta programs if you want to test features sooner.
- Use two-handed gestures or external accessories to manage the large screen until the update arrives.
- Follow official Apple news for confirmation of the Reachability feature release date.
- Document any usability issues you encounter and report them through Apple’s feedback system.
Step-by-step guide: What is password policies and how they protect systems
General security guidance from the Crypt Weekly newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Will Reachability work on the iPhone Duo’s outer screen?
It is expected to work on both displays, but Apple has not confirmed specific functionality for the 5.4-inch cover screen.
When will the iPhone Duo receive the Reachability feature?
CNET reports it should arrive in an upcoming update later this year, but no specific date has been announced.
Is the iPhone Duo difficult for left-handed users?
Yes, current controls are fixed on the right side, which limits usability for left-handed people until the software update.
