Lux Optics has released “Electric Boogaluo,” a major update to its Halide camera app specifically engineered for the newly launched iPhone Duo. Arriving just days after the device’s October 23 retail launch, the update introduces a specialized interface designed to leverage the unique physical poses of Apple’s first foldable hardware.
The update focuses on solving the ergonomic challenges of a 7.6-inch internal display, which differs significantly from the traditional aspect ratios of the iPhone 16 or Pro Max lines. Rather than simply stretching the existing interface, Lux Optics has mapped Halide’s controls to the physical state of the hinge.
Adapting to the Fold
The update introduces three distinct interface paradigms based on how the user holds the $1,999 device:
Half-Open (Waist-Level Viewfinder): When the iPhone Duo is partially folded in a “laptop” pose, Halide transforms into a waist-level viewfinder reminiscent of classic medium-format cameras. The top half of the screen serves as a dedicated preview, while the bottom half houses all manual controls and the shutter button. To accommodate different shooting styles, the update includes a specific toggle to swap control sides, catering to both left- and right-handed users.
Fully Open (Dual-Screen Suite): In its unfolded state, the app utilizes the full 7.6-inch canvas. While one side of the display maintains the live viewfinder, the secondary pane acts as a real-time review and editing station, allowing photographers to inspect their last capture without leaving the camera interface.
Closed (External Sidebar): When using the 5.4-inch external display, Halide employs a sidebar toolbar. This keeps the viewfinder clear of obstructions while ensuring all manual adjustments remain within thumb reach on the narrower screen.
Addressing the ProRAW Gap
The release of Halide for the Duo arrives amid reports from early reviewers that Apple’s native Camera app lacks ProRAW support on the foldable at launch. While the Duo is powered by the A20 Pro chip, the omission of ProRAW in the stock software has been noted as a significant limitation for professional users.
Halide addresses this “software gap” by enabling its own RAW and ProRAW workflows on the Duo, providing the technical metadata and post-processing flexibility currently missing from the native experience. This positioning makes the third-party app a primary tool for users looking to utilize the Duo’s hardware for high-end photography rather than casual snapshots.
The update is available now as part of the standard Halide Mark III subscription or one-time purchase, ensuring that early adopters of the iPhone Duo can access professional-grade imaging tools immediately following the device’s worldwide availability.
