Apple's latest iPhone Duo does not solve the company's smart display problem. Despite rumors of a home hub device, the iPhone Duo leaves users wanting a dedicated Smart Display I system. Sorry, Apple, but this is not the product consumers have been waiting for.

What You Need to Know

Apple has never produced a dedicated smart display competitor to Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub. The iPhone Duo, while a novel dual-screen approach, fails to fill that gap because it is still a handheld device with limited always-on home assistant capabilities. Consumers who want a stationary voice-first hub remain waiting for a proper solution.

The Smart Display Gap

Amazon and Google have dominated the smart display market for years with devices that sit on countertops and respond to voice commands at a distance. Apple, however, has offered only the HomePod mini with a tiny LED screen and the iPad on a stand. Neither delivers the seamless always-on experience users want. The iPhone Duo, which pairs two iPhone screens via a folding mechanism, still requires picking up the device and interacting through a traditional smartphone interface.

Industry analysts see this as a missed opportunity. Apple's ecosystem could power a powerful smart home hub with a high-quality display. Instead the company continues to push multipurpose devices that dilute the smart display experience.

  • Always-on display: A smart display should stay visible and responsive at a glance, not require waking or unlocking.
  • Dedicated assistant: Siri on the iPhone Duo still competes with phone notifications and apps, reducing reliability for home automation.
  • Fixed form factor: A kitchen or bedside device needs a stable stand, not a handheld that can be misplaced.

Why This Matters

Apple's home strategy faces growing pressure. Amazon recently updated its Echo Show lineup with better cameras and faster processors. Google integrates its Nest Hub deeper with Matter smart home standards. Apple, meanwhile, asks users to repurpose existing hardware. This approach risks ceding the smart home hub role to competitors who design from the ground up for stationary use. The iPhone Duo, as innovative as it is, reinforces the perception that Apple does not take the smart display seriously. If the company continues to avoid a dedicated Smart Display I product, it may lose a key entry point for its services and HomeKit ecosystem.

What's Next for Apple

Rumors persist that Apple is developing a dedicated smart display with a square screen and a camera for FaceTime, possibly launching in 2025. Until then, consumers who have been waiting for a purpose-built device will have to look elsewhere. The iPhone Duo, while a technological feat, is not the answer. Sorry, Apple, but the smart display market remains wide open.