Key Takeaways
- Apple's Reachability feature, originally introduced in 2014, is now coming to the iPhone Duo via the iOS 27.3 update to assist with one-handed use.
- The iPhone Duo's passport-style form factor and wide stance on the 5.4-inch cover screen make it difficult to reach the corners with one hand.
- Reachability on the Duo shifts the screen layout sideways to the left or right based on the direction of your swipe, rather than downwards like traditional iPhones.
Apple’s ‘Reachability’ feature for one-handed use made its debut back in 2014 on the iPhone 6. This feature has found incredible mileage among users as the size of iPhones has progressively increased over the years. The new iPhone Duo’s inner display is intended for two-handed use, but the cover screen makes it hard to reach the corners while operating the foldable with one hand. The latest iOS 27.3 update, which is currently in beta, brings the Reachability feature to the device. Here’s how you can enable one-handed mode on your iPhone Duo.
Read Also: Apple iPhone Duo review: Is Apple’s foldable worth the stretch?
In This Article
Reachability on the iPhone Duo
Even though the cover screen of the iPhone Duo is just 5.4 inches in size, the passport-style form factor of the foldable lends it a wide stance. As a result, reaching for the far corners with your thumb while holding the phone in one hand can turn into a struggle. ‘Reachability’ fixes this by moving the screen layout to the left or right side of the panel, depending on the direction of your swipe.
Swiping left on the left edge of the display moves the contents of the screen towards the left. A right swipe on the right edge does the same in the opposite direction. The empty space is filled with dark pixels. The new aspect ratio makes it easy to reach the items on the far side of the screen without bringing your other hand into the action. On a traditional ‘candybar’ iPhone, Reachability shifts the screen interface downwards instead of sideways.
Enable Reachability from Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Scroll to the Physical and Motor section.
- Turn on the toggle switch next to Reachability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the iPhone Duo have a one-handed mode?
Yes, iPhone Duo has a one-handed mode. You can enable it by going to Settings>Accessibility and turning on the toggle switch next to ‘Reachability’.
How do I enter one-handed mode on my iPhone Duo?
Swipe left on the left edge or right on the right edge of the cover screen to enter one-handed mode on your Duo.
Do Reachability settings apply to the inner display of the iPhone Duo?
No, Reachability does not work for the Duo’s inner display.
Why am I not able to see the Reachability feature on my iPhone Duo?
You need to update your iPhone Duo to iOS 27.3 in order to use Reachability.
How do I get my iPhone Duo to lock every time I close the display?
Launch the Shortcuts app, tap the Plus icon, go to Automation>Opened or Closed, tap on Opened and select Closed, search for Lock Screen, and select ‘Lock the screen’.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned earlier, Reachability is only available with the iOS 27.3 update. It is currently in beta, with a public release slated in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about Duo, let us know in the comments!
 on your iPhone Duo.){kind=link}