Verge hosts admit iPhone Duo 7-point score may shift
Reviewers debate if the dual-screen device should have launched as an iPad, citing early classification issues.
By Gabriel Qureshi ·
The Verge’s review team initially planned a different rating for the iPhone Duo before settling on a final score of 7 out of 10. On the latest episode of The Vergecast, hosts David and Nilay Paul acknowledged that this number might not remain permanent. They argued that the device represents a major new concept in smartphone design that is still being evaluated.
The central debate on the show focused on whether the iPhone Duo should have been categorized as an iPad from the start. Paul suggested the product would have been better received if it launched under the iPad brand rather than the iPhone name. He questioned if the outer display, which tech critic John Gruber previously described as the worst iPhone ever, is the primary source of confusion for consumers.
The hosts noted that the device is likely to improve as software updates arrive. However, they remained uncertain if the iPhone Duo will ever become the standard phone for all users. The conversation highlighted the difficulty of scoring a product that challenges existing product lines.
Beyond the iPhone Duo discussion, the podcast covered a major cybersecurity flaw in PHP that affected websites globally earlier this week. The hosts analyzed how this vulnerability impacts the future of the web and artificial intelligence integration. They also discussed how rising AI shopping agents are forcing retailers to adjust their customer interaction strategies.
The episode concluded with brief segments on FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, an upcoming Netflix reboot, and recent developments involving Google’s Gemini model. The hosts also referenced recent stories on vibe-coding creators and a flying Tesla Roadster prototype.
Source: The Verge
