Nothing CEO calls Apple's $1,999 foldable iPhone a waste of money

Nothing CEO Carl Pei has a blunt message for anyone eyeing Apple's first foldable: the iPhone Duo is a waste of money. According to Pei, his sharpest complaint is the iPhone Duo Face ID gap on a phone that starts at $1,999.

However, Touch ID will come built-in in the side power button instead. It can also be unlocked using an Apple Watch. However, Apple has not officially clarified its reasons. The main reason that people believe is due to the geometry. 

Since the phone opens up like a book, it has two screens and, therefore, requires two sensors.

According to one explanation, having a side button sensor ensures that there is a definite way to unlock it regardless of whether it’s open or closed.

This, according to Pei, does not warrant the cost. The iPhone 18 Pro does not face this challenge, and it starts from $1,199.

The Duo has only two back cameras, the wide and the ultrawide. There's no telephoto camera or variable aperture feature on the iPhone 18 Pro. As Pei explains, this, alongside the lack of Face ID, makes the pricing unreasonable.

That's a price increase of $700 compared to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The starting price of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is $1,899.

However, you'll have some hardware worth the price: a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer one along with the A20 Pro processor. In their MacBreak Weekly review, the reviewers said it was an intriguing look into the future of Apple, yet not the right upgrade for the majority of users.

Will future iPhone Duo get Face ID?

Mark Gurman has said Face ID and a telephoto lens are priorities for later foldables. The third-generation iPhone Duo is the likelier bet than the second.

You can judge the first model soon. Pre-orders start Friday, October 16, and the release date is October 23.