For the first time, Apple has entered the folding-phone era with the Duo. It’s exciting. It’s different. And, from an OpenCase perspective, it creates one very unusual problem: The Duo is too short for the OpenCase MagSafe Case's design to fully realize it's functionality. At least, right now.
The Space Below the Camera
The issue comes down to a surprisingly simple measurement: the distance between the bottom of the iPhone’s camera and the bottom edge of the phone. On Apple’s Duo that distance is shorter than the height of essentially all of the standard, rectangular MagSafe accessories we’ve become accustomed to using, including Apple’s own Finewoven Wallet with MagSafe.
So while the the Duo does have MagSafe many of the accessories designed to attach to the back of a traditional iPhone simply don’t physically fit on the available surface, without hanging off (as you can see in the image above).
And that’s a pretty big deal for OpenCase.
MagSafe Still Works — Just Not Everything Fits
To be clear, MagSafe hasn’t disappeared from the Duo. Standard, round MagSafe and Qi2 chargers can still attach and charge the phone. Those accessories are compact enough that the shorter phone doesn’t create an issue.
The trouble starts with the standard, taller, rectangular accessories. Think of the MagSafe accessories many of us have come to rely on every day: wallets, battery packs, stands, and other accessories that extend vertically from the MagSafe connection point.
The same issue applies to some of the newer generation of AI-powered accessories, including popular devices like Plaud and Pocket. These accessories are designed around the dimensions of conventional iPhones, and the Duo simply doesn’t have enough room beneath the camera for them to fit comfortably.
In other words, the MagSafe connection is there, but the real estate isn’t.
What Does The Duo's Size Mean for OpenCase?
OpenCase is all about creating a minimalist case with maximum benefits. Taken right from our "About" section:
OpenCase™ is a patented phone case with an “open space” that:
- Prevents MagSafe accessories from sliding around or shearing off
- Is thinner and lighter than the traditional combo of case plus accessory, because the accessory sits "inside" the case, not on top
- Optimizes MagSafe charging because it removes the material between the iPhone and case (the way that Apple recommends)
- Does not lock you into an MagSafe system. You can use most third party accessories that fit in the "open" space, like the Apple MagSafe Battery and more.
- And so much more!
For now, it doesn't seem like the Duo was designed with MagSafe accessories in mind. Maybe that will change? Maybe they'll create a new suite of accessories that are exclusive to Duo and the OpenCase MagSafe Case will make more sense to us all? But for now, we thought we'd be fairly limited in what would case could offer customers, like you. Yes, you could see the color of your Duo. Yes, you could optimize MagSafe charging with nothing in the way using a standard charger. But, could you fully realize the benefits of the case with such limited compatibility with the current MagSafe accessories available? We thought no.
So, instead, we’re focusing our efforts where we can deliver the full OpenCase MagSafe Case experience for the iPhone 18. Our iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases feature our newly enlarged OpenCase opening — now 2mm taller and 1mm wider with a tighter 8mm corner radius. This larger "open" space specifically allows Apple’s updated, taller MagSafe Wallet to fit through the opening, along with many more 3rd party accessories than ever before.
We Love the Duo. We Just Can’t Case It.
We’re genuinely excited about Apple’s folding iPhone and what it means for the future of smartphones. But sometimes the right product decision is knowing what not to make. For OpenCase, that means sticking with the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, where our minimalist design, MagSafe compatibility, and accessory-friendly opening all work exactly as intended. The Duo may be a great new option, but that new option just isn't ready for an OpenCase yet. And as a tiny little husband and wife start-up, we have to put our focus on where we can serve our customers best.
For those of you who are getting the iPhone 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max, we're taking pre-orders now. Our manufacturer has told us to expect them in early October and we'll ship as soon as they are here.
Otherwise, lets see how things evolve for the Duo as the it's future unfolds 😉
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I made a little video to show why we didn't make a case for the Duo. If you want to see it in action, check it out here.