Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has gone on sale worldwide with a price tag of about $2,000, as strong demand and limited supplies restrict availability across major markets.
The device, which launched on Friday, attracted customers in cities including Sydney, Shanghai, London and Berlin, although queues were generally smaller than those seen during previous major iPhone launches.
Apple’s estimated delivery dates for the device had slipped to late January within minutes of pre-orders opening a week earlier, suggesting demand was outpacing available supplies. The company described the response as “nothing short of extraordinary”.
The launch marks Apple’s entry into the premium foldable smartphone market, where Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have already established products.
It also represents an early test for Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, who unveiled the device shortly after taking over the position in September. Ternus, formerly the company’s hardware chief, faces the challenge of determining whether Apple can expand the appeal of foldable phones as it once did with conventional smartphones.
Apple has restricted pre-orders to two devices per customer and limited some purchases to walk-in shoppers. In China, France, Hong Kong, India and Japan, the phones were available only to customers who had ordered online.
In Sydney, customers gathered outside Apple’s store before it opened at 8 a.m. local time, while buyers also queued at outlets in London and New York. Some shoppers hoped to secure limited stocks, while others arrived to collect pre-orders or view the new device.
Simon Krishnan, a 48-year-old engineer who bought a 512GB model for A$3,899, described the purchase as a luxury but said he was willing to pay for it.
In Shanghai, 26-year-old healthcare professional Liu Wei joined the queue despite already owning a foldable phone made by Xiaomi. He said his longstanding trust in Apple influenced his decision to buy the new model on launch day.
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The device has also attracted resellers hoping to profit from limited availability. In Hong Kong, one buyer said he purchased a 256GB model for HK$17,499 and planned to resell it at a profit of about HK$4,000.
Early reviews have praised the iPhone Duo’s design and hinge, which reviewers said is sturdy and has a barely visible crease. The hinge has long been a challenge for foldable smartphones because prominent screen creases can affect the viewing experience and discourage potential buyers.
However, reviewers have raised concerns about camera compromises, including the absence of a telephoto lens, and the need for developers to adapt some third-party applications to the device’s larger display.
Some reviewers have also questioned whether the phone is practical for everyday use when folded, with several recommending that customers consider their needs carefully before paying the premium price.
Apple commentator John Gruber described the device as a highly polished prototype rather than a finished product he would want to carry daily. Technology reviewer Marques Brownlee, meanwhile, said it could appeal to buyers willing to pay the price and adjust to its design, including the absence of facial recognition.
For some users, however, the foldable design offers the advantage of combining a smartphone with a tablet-sized screen. Berlin-based content creator Patrick Wolter said the device could reduce the need to carry a separate tablet.
The launch comes as Apple seeks to strengthen its position in the premium smartphone market. Research firm IDC expects the iPhone Duo to become the leading foldable phone in 2027, although its longer-term success will depend on supply, pricing and whether consumers embrace the new design.
The $2,000 price tag places the device firmly in the premium segment, making its reception an important test of how far Apple customers are willing to go for a new smartphone form factor.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
