Skip to content
Crypt Weekly

The security desk for defenders

Tech News

iPhone Duo owners: reachability coming via update

Crypt Weekly ·
iPhone Duo owners: reachability coming via update
Illustration: Crypt Weekly

Apple confirmed the iPhone Duo will receive the Reachability accessibility feature in a future software update later this year.

Key points

  • Apple plans to add Reachability support to the iPhone Duo via a software update later this year.
  • The feature will presumably be available on both the inner and outer displays, though this is not confirmed.
  • Reachability allows users to swipe down to lower the interface, making controls easier to reach with one hand.

Apple announced that the iPhone Duo will gain support for the Reachability accessibility feature in a software update arriving later this year. This addition aims to make the device’s screens easier to manage with one hand.

What happened

Apple stated that Reachability support for the iPhone Duo is scheduled for a software update later this year, according to WIRED’s Julian Chokkattu. The iPhone Duo launches this Friday, but this specific feature will not be available at launch. MacRumors reported that Apple plans to add this support to help users manage the large screen.

Why it matters

Reachability is an accessibility setting available on other iPhone models that allows users to swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen. This gesture lowers the top half of the interface, making controls easier to reach with one hand. The iPhone Duo features both inner and outer displays that are wider than those on other iPhones.

The fix

  • Wait for the software update scheduled for later this year to enable the feature.
  • Enable Reachability in the accessibility settings once the update is installed.
  • Practice the swipe gesture to adjust the interface for one-handed use.

Why it matters

Teams developing large-screen devices often face challenges with user ergonomics and one-handed usability. When interfaces span wide areas, users may struggle to reach elements on the far edges. Accessibility features like Reachability help bridge this gap by moving content closer to the user’s grip. Users should check whether such tools are available at launch or if they require future updates.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

  • Check the accessibility settings on your device for Reachability options.
  • Monitor official announcements for the release date of the iPhone Duo software update.
  • Test one-handed usability with the current interface to identify pain points.
  • Review the user manual for guidance on managing wide-screen displays effectively.

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

When will Reachability be available on the iPhone Duo?

Apple plans to add Reachability support in a software update coming later this year.

How does Reachability work on the iPhone Duo?

Apple plans to add Reachability support, which allows users to swipe down to lower the interface.

Is Reachability available on other iPhone models?

Yes, Reachability is an accessibility setting available on other iPhone models that lowers the top half of the interface.

Sources

  1. MacRumors
  2. 9to5Mac

You might also like