Apple has officially confirmed that over 100,000 apps created or optimized for the iPhone Duo foldable smartphone are now available in the App Store. Susan Prescott, Apple's VP of Developer Relations, shared this with 9to5Mac, noting that thousands of new adapted programs appear in the store daily. According to 24tv.ua, this milestone was reached just two weeks after the device went on sale, a scenario analysts previously considered unlikely for a new form factor.
From Criticism to Record: How the "Black Bars" Problem Vanished
At launch, analysts and tech bloggers actively criticized the gadget due to a lack of software optimized for its specific foldable display. The main technical problem with unadapted apps was the forced display of wide black bars on the sides of the screen. This not only reduced the usable screen area but also hid part of the functionality in auxiliary menus, making everyday use inconvenient. However, the situation changed at lightning speed: tens of thousands of new programs completely rebuilding their interfaces for the new form factor joined already adapted services like Netflix, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Large-Scale Developer Support Program
To accelerate the ecosystem's transition to the new format, Apple rolled out an unprecedented developer assistance program. Over the past month, more than 2,000 software creators attended over 50 in-person workshops held in 19 cities worldwide. At these events, developers worked directly with iPhone Duo devices backed by Apple engineers, receiving hands-on interface adaptation guidance. Furthermore, the company is actively promoting optimized apps in the App Store by creating curated collections, enhancing visibility for end users.
Demand Outpacing Production
Alongside the ecosystem shift, the iPhone Duo proved significantly more popular than analysts predicted. Initial batches sold out within hours of pre-orders opening, and shipping times for subsequent orders have already slipped to 2027. During the latest financial earnings call, Apple executives directly acknowledged that it is currently difficult to forecast when production constraints can be fully resolved. Consequently, the device shortage is a genuine manufacturing reality rather than a marketing tactic.
What's Next: iOS 27 and a Wave of Updates
Cupertino also announced a series of major updates tied to the release of iOS 27 and further optimization for the new form factor. The upcoming list of apps slated for full support includes Spotify, streaming platforms Tubi, CBS, and BBC iPlayer, as well as mobile clients for ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Canva, Tinder, Duolingo, and Strava. Sources report that some of these updates are already in the final deployment phase. For example, Spotify review units currently show residual black bars on screen, but Apple's official announcement guarantees fixes for users soon.
Conclusion: The Foldable iPhone Ecosystem Reaches Critical Mass
Surpassing the 100,000 adapted apps mark in just two weeks places the iPhone Duo among Apple's most successful mobile device launches in recent years. The combination of an aggressive developer support program, high consumer demand, and a clear iOS 27 update roadmap gives the market a strong impression that the foldable form factor has ceased to be a niche experiment and is turning into a full-fledged product line segment.
