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Netflix has redesigned its app with the first foldable iPhone in mind, the iPhone Duo. The new version uses both the phone's external screen and the much larger display revealed when it's unfolded. On the smaller screen, users can view short clips showcasing new films and series, then smoothly transition to the full viewing experience. Netflix has also changed the layout of the key interface elements and the video player. It's one of the first examples of how a popular streaming app can be adapted to the unusual design and aspect ratios of the iPhone Duo's screens.
Netflix uses both screens of the iPhone Duo
Netflix was among the first apps showcased at the launch of the iPhone Duo that have been adapted to its foldable design. The app can use both the external display and the large internal screen. On the external screen Netflix displays short clips from new films and series. This lets the user quickly familiarise themselves with the material without opening the phone. If a title interests them, they simply unfold the iPhone Duo to continue on the larger screen. The transition between displays is intended to be smooth, without interrupting use of the app.
Netflix also redesigned the Billboard, the carousel at the top of the interface used to present content. The video player was changed too, with its controls moved to the side of the screen. The buttons also have a subtle light-reflecting effect that responds to ambient lighting and the angle at which the phone is held. The app has also been prepared for partial unfolding of the device. In that position one half of the phone can act as a stand on a table. Netflix content is then played on the upper part of the foldable display. This shows that the foldable design of the iPhone Duo can be used not only to increase display area but also to change the way apps are used. Netflix is one of the first examples of this approach on Apple’s new platform.
Unusual screen aspect ratios will pose a challenge for other apps
The iPhone Duo stands out due to the unusual aspect ratios of both its screens, which may necessitate changes to many multimedia applications. Both the external and internal displays feature a 1.4:1 aspect ratio. This is a much more square format than that of standard iPhone screens; for comparison, a standard iPhone in landscape orientation has an aspect ratio of approximately 2.17:1. The iPhone Duo’s format, however, is very close to the IMAX aspect ratio of 1.43:1. For typical widescreen movies, this means that black bars will appear above and below the image during playback. Netflix had the opportunity to prepare its app prior to the phone's official unveiling, whereas other companies have significantly less time to adapt their software before the device's launch. Apple claims that its own apps are already optimized for the iPhone Duo.
The company has also released new and updated APIs designed to help developers take advantage of the foldable design. Apple cites Netflix, Zoom, and Slack among the third-party apps already adapted for the device. However, many popular services—including Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube—still need to adjust their interfaces accordingly. Ultimately, how the dual screens are utilized will depend on the decisions made by individual app developers. Nevertheless, Apple aims to streamline this process through new tools included in the latest SDKs and the Xcode environment. The iPhone Duo’s internal screen measures 7.6 inches and offers a resolution of 1878 × 2670 pixels with a density of 430 ppi. The external display measures 5.4 inches, with a resolution of 1398 × 2034 pixels and a density of 460 ppi, and both screens support HDR and brightness up to 3,000 nits.
Netflix is one of the first companies to adapt its app for the foldable iPhone Duo. The outer display is used, among other things, to show short clips, and once the phone is unfolded users can seamlessly switch to watching on the larger display. The app also uses the new Billboard, side player controls and a partially unfolded mode. Now other popular apps and streaming services will have to prepare similar solutions.
source: flatpanelshd, Netflix
