Apple could add a personal touch to its upcoming iPhone Duo launch, allowing buyers to see their names on the screen the first time they switch on their new phones. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple retail stores in the United States will have a system to customize the initial greeting of the device so that it shows a message like “Hello, Mark” instead of the usual generic welcome.
The feature is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone Duo and limited to the US, with support for English and Spanish. It’s a small change, but one that could make unboxing a new iPhone feel a little more personal.
Apple adds a personal touch to the iPhone Duo experience
The personalized welcome is a small software detail, but it fits Apple’s broader approach to making its products feel personal from the moment users use them. Instead of seeing the same welcome screen as everyone else, buyers could see their own names during the initial setup.
According to Gurman, the feature will only be available at Apple retail stores in the US, and only on the iPhone Duo. Customers can choose between English and Spanish. Apple has not announced whether the customization will be extended to online orders or other iPhone models.
The feature is also a reminder that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will be treated as a special launch. The iPhone Duo opens to a 7.6-inch display and has a 5.4-inch outer screen when folded. Apple has positioned it as a device for multitasking, gaming and viewing content, rather than simply a conventional iPhone with a hinge.
iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the US
The timing is notable as Apple’s first foldable iPhone is approaching its retail launch. The company says that US pre-orders will begin on October 16, with availability starting on October 23. The iPhone Duo will start at $1,999 for 256GB, with higher capacity versions costing more.
The device opens to a 7.6-inch inner screen and has a 5.4-inch outer screen when folded. Apple presents it as a device for multitasking, gaming and content viewing, combining the flexibility of a larger screen with a phone-sized design.
For US buyers considering a $2,000 phone, a personalized welcome will hardly be the deciding factor. Still, it’s a memorable flourish for a product that marks Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market. The bigger questions remain how well the folding design holds up, how useful the larger display will prove in everyday use, and whether buyers think the price is justified.
For now, the name-on-screen feature remains an unconfirmed retail detail. Apple has not yet explained how businesses will set it up or whether the option will be expanded to other devices.
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