The 0.5x is far more useful than the 2x. Most of the things one would do with the 2x can be had by just walking a bit closer to the subject. Or by just shooting at 1x and cropping, since there's resolution to spare.
But the 0.5x very frequently enables indoor shots that are impossible to get otherwise. Because you can't back up for a wider view if you're next to a wall.
Apple chose well.
> Most of the things one would do with the 2x can be had by just walking a bit closer to the subject
Except for the main reason I ever used it: depth of field and more natural proportions.
Digital zoom can’t do that and no portrait mode is not the same.
On my old phone I would often switch to 2x and walk away from the subject to get a better photo.
Here’s a good example of how faces change when shot with different focal lengths: https://imgur.io/gallery/ZKTWi
The only thing missing is the zoom. Wish they replaced the useless 0.5x lens with the 2x. Everything else about this phone is perfect