The Netflix app makes use of the large inner display, but also the outer display to showcase titles before you dive into new series or movies. Here is how it works.
Several years after Samsung and Chinese phone makers, Apple has unveiled its first foldable phone, iPhone Duo. Nevertheless, Apple's unique approach has raised a number of questions, not least about how media content is shown on the two OLED displays.
Both iPhone Duo displays have a 1.4:1 aspect ratio, which is more square than regular iPhone displays, which in landscape orientation have a 2.17:1 aspect ratio that shows movies in 16:9 widescreen with black bars on either side. 1.4:1 on the other hand is very close to 1.43:1 IMAX, meaning that widescreen movies will generally be shown with black bars at the top and bottom.
Netflix for iPhone Duo
Netflix was highlighted on stage during the iPhone Duo reveal as one of the first apps adapted to the new displays. The app gives us a first glimpse of how streaming apps can take advantage of iPhone Duo. The Apple TV app was not shown.
On the outer display, Netflix can show 'Clips' from new movies and TV shows. If you want to watch the show, you can open iPhone Duo. This provides a smooth transition between the outer and inner displays, as shown in the video:
This is what Netflix looks like on iPhone Duo
Netflix further explains that it has redesigned 'Billboard', the content carousel at the top, and that the video player has moved the controls to the side, while the controls have also been given a "subtle, reflective glow" that responds to the ambient light and the angle of iPhone Duo.
A third option is to partially open iPhone Duo so that one half functions as a stand on a table. Here, Netflix content play on the upper half of the flexible display.
What about the rest?
Netflix developed its new app for iPhone Duo before the phone was unveiled, so what about the others? They have a little over a month to update their apps and Netflix's implementation is just one of several different configurations.
Apple says that its own apps are already optimized for iPhone Duo, but that still leaves everything from Disney+ to HBO Max to YouTube.
- "Apple apps are optimized for iPhone Duo, and developers can easily adapt their apps using the new and updated APIs in the latest SDKs, and upcoming support for iPhone Duo in Device Hub in Xcode. Third-party apps, including Netflix, Zoom, and Slack, are already taking advantage of the folding design to deliver immersive experiences that make the most of the larger display and new ways to use iPhone Duo," Apple wrote.
The OLED displays on iPhone Duo measure 7.6 inches with 1878x2670 pixels (430 ppi) and 5.4 inches with 1398x2034 pixels (460 ppi), respectively. They support HDR and offer up to 3000 nits of brightness.
