How to Test iPhone Duo in Xcode
Install Xcode 27.1, download the Duo Simulator, and exercise every fold, rotation, and Split View state using Device Hub.
Last updated
Quick answer
Install Xcode 27.1 beta, add a Duo Simulator device in Device Hub, and use its pose controls to drive fold, rotation, and Split View states live without needing physical hardware. As of September 2026, StandBy and most App Extensions are not yet supported in the simulator.
Apple's current recommendation is to test iPhone Duo using Xcode 27.1 beta and the Device Hub simulator, which lets you drive every fold, rotation, and Split View state without needing physical hardware.
- 1Install Xcode 27.1
- 2Download Duo Simulator
- 3Device Hub
- 4Launch App
- 5Open
- 6Fold
- 7Rotate
- 8Test Split View
Install Xcode 27.1
Download Xcode 27.1 beta from the Apple Developer downloads page. It ships the iOS 27.1 SDK, which is required for the Duo Simulator device to appear in the destination list.
Device Hub
Open Device Hub from Xcode's window menu and add a Duo Simulator device. Device Hub is also where you trigger fold, rotation, and pose changes while the simulator is running — there's no need to restart the app between states.
Launch, Open, Fold, Rotate
Launch your app on the Duo Simulator like any other destination. Use Device Hub's pose controls to move between closed, half-open, and fully open states, and toggle orientation, while watching your layout respond live.
Test Split View
Drag to resize the simulator window to simulate Split View widths. Confirm your interface updates its size class and layout immediately, without requiring a relaunch.
Known Issues
Last checked September 2026
Xcode 27.1 beta release notes report that StandBy is currently unavailable in the Duo Simulator, and most App Extensions cannot be run or debugged there yet. Check the current beta release notes before relying on either.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need physical iPhone Duo hardware to test my app?
No. Apple's current recommendation is to test using the Duo Simulator in Xcode 27.1's Device Hub, which can drive every fold, rotation, and Split View state without physical hardware.
Which Xcode version includes the Duo Simulator?
Xcode 27.1 beta, which ships with the iOS 27.1 SDK. That SDK is required for the Duo Simulator device to appear in the destination list.
Do I need to restart my app to test a different fold state?
No. Device Hub lets you trigger fold, rotation, and pose changes live while the simulator is running, so you can watch your layout respond without relaunching.