iPhone Duo's big debut

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The iPhone Duo, which arrived in stores Friday, is unlike any other iPhone.

In case you haven’t heard, it folds! 🤣

We heard all kinds of crazy things about the highly anticipated device, from early lines outside Apple Stores to big launch-day crowds to bizarre cracks on some screens.

Plus, because it’s so different from every iPhone that came before it, there are certain things you should do as soon as you crack open the box. Here’s our handy guide to getting started with iPhone Duo the right way.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

My favorite review of the iPhone Duo hinges on a specially designed machine that folded the device more than 32,000 times, with a very surprising result. We talked about this, and a lot more, on this week’s Cult of Mac podcast.
If you bought an iPhone Duo, you’re definitely going to want a case. We recommend these.
The iPod turned 25 this week, and Apple cooked up a fun Easter egg to mark the occasion.
Itching for iOS 27.2? Here’s when to expect it.
Apple’s got plenty more products prepped to pop out of its magic pipeline. The likely showstopper at next week’s Pro and Tell event is a touchscreen MacBook Pro.
And finally, we’ve got some hot software at sizzling discounts over at Cult of Mac Deals: Highlights include a video downloader that lets you grab copies from your favorite streaming services, a super-affordable PDF editor for Mac, and rock-bottom pricing on two Microsoft products (Windows 11 Pro and Visual Studio Pro).

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Featured stories

Got an iPhone Duo? Do these 7 things first.

From protecting the folding screen to mastering multitasking, here's what to do with your iPhone Duo on day one.

iPhone Duo goes on sale with a $1,999 price and a stock problem

The iPhone Duo finally arrives, but getting one today could take more luck than money due to limited availability at Apple Stores.

Plus, more on iPhone Duo:

The problem(s) with iPhone Duo (and most tech reviews) [Cult of Mac podcast 38]

This week on the "Cult of Mac" podcast: The first iPhone Duo reviews are a mixed bag, with predictable pros and cons. But some stand out.

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News

Apple makes ‘Pro and Tell’ event official for October 28

Apple's October 28 event goes from rumor to real with a “Pro and Tell” invitation. A touchscreen MacBook Pro should steal the show.

Why you might want to wait for the rumored HomeView Max

Apple is said to be building a HomeView Max with a 9-inch screen on a robotic arm that turns toward whoever’s talking.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Here’s when Apple will launch iOS 27.2

With the iOS 27.2 Release Candidate now being tested by developers, the final version is just days away. Mark your calendars!

Plus, more Apple software news:

New Apple Music logo was made with sound and mineral oil

Apple unveils a new look for Apple Music, with a logo shaped by sound waves rippling through mineral oil, using no CGI.

Plus: HomePod Sound Glow headed to older Apple speakers

Apple celebrates iPod’s 25th anniversary with virtual music player

Apple celebrates 25 years of iPod with a virtual version of its original music player, complete with a library of tunes (and a hidden game).

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How-to

How to set up Aerials, the best Mac screen savers you'll ever see

Apple’s Aerials Mac screen savers offer sweeping views of shockingly gorgeous locations. Here's how to set up the best screen saver on Mac.

Deals

Download movies and TV shows from most major streaming platforms for life

Grab movies and shows from Netflix, Prime Video and 1,000+ other sites with SameMovie. A lifetime license to the video downloader is on sale.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

‘Darkest Dungeon’ delivers grim gothic gameplay with a novel twist (and a Steam key is just $10)

Classic game will immerse you in a 60-to-80-hour roguelike campaign unlike any other.

Master ChatGPT, Claude and 6 more top AI tools for just $34.99

Learn eight AI tools through 11 project-based courses with lifetime access to the Complete AI Skills Bundle, now $34.99 (regularly $79).

Plus, more AI from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews and recommendations

Best iPhone Duo cases you can buy right now

From slim aramid shells to rugged hinge guards and leather wallets, these iPhone Duo cases offer different ways to protect Apple’s first foldable.