# Walkman app becomes iPhone Duo's first killer feature

> An indie developer's nostalgic app that mimics a classic Walkman is generating massive interest ahead of the foldable iPhone's launch.
- Title: Walkman app becomes iPhone Duo's first killer feature
- Summary: An indie developer's nostalgic app that mimics a classic Walkman is generating massive interest ahead of the foldable iPhone's launch. Vidit Bhargava's…
- Keywords: vidit bhargava, duo-man, iphone duo, walkman, foldable phones, apple, indie developers, retro tech, technology, startups, app, becomes
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/28/the-iphone-duo-may-already-have-its-first-killer-app-a-virtual-walkman
- Author: Sarah Perez
- Published: 2026-09-28T16:47:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vidit bhargava, duo-man, iphone duo, walkman, foldable phones, apple, indie developers, retro tech, technology, startups
## Walkman app for new foldable iPhone
Indie developer Vidit Bhargava has created Duo-Man, an app for Apple's unreleased iPhone Duo foldable that replicates the experience of using a classic Walkman.
## How the app uses the foldable design
The app takes advantage of the Duo's two screens: the seven point six inch inner display when open and the five point four inch outer display when closed, mimicking how Walkmans functioned.
## Authentic Walkman sounds included
Bhargava recorded button clicks and static noise from a real Walkman to make the experience feel authentic. He is a long-term Walkman enthusiast who still owns and listens to one occasionally.

> I have been a long-term Walkman enthusiast, still own and listen to it occasionally
## Hackathon success and viral attention
Bhargava built the app for the Bitrig hackathon this weekend, where it won second place. After posting about Duo-Man on X, it topped one point eight million views and nearly ten thousand likes.
## Retro tech trend driving interest
The app taps into a broader retro trend in tech as younger consumers seek out classic physical devices like digital cameras, flip phones, CDs, landlines, and cassette tapes.
## From hackathon project to real app
The viral attention has inspired Bhargava to turn what was initially a fun hackathon project into a real app. It will support Apple Music and local files when it arrives.
## Planned features and future expansion
The app will include a feature letting users use an Apple Pencil to roll the cassette loop. Bhargava plans to make fast-forward and rewind experiences similar to the original Walkman, with Spotify support possibly added later.
## Key takeaway

Vidit Bhargava's Duo-Man app replicates the Walkman experience on Apple's new foldable iPhone, tapping into retro tech trends and winning hackathon recognition.