The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone, debuted to enthusiastic crowds in China, where scalpers were willing to pay an additional 3,000 Chinese yuan ($448) to customers for their new devices. This suggests a robust demand for the product, despite the foldable phone segment being relatively niche globally.
Notably, China is the largest market for foldable phones, according to Counterpoint Research. Customers lined up early, with some expressing a preference for foldable designs over traditional smartphones. Competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi are also active in this space, with Huawei recently launching its Mate XT2 and Xiaomi introducing the 18 Fold, both priced around $3,000.
Apple's Duo is currently limited in availability, with online purchases capped at two units per customer and delivery timelines extending into 2027 for some. While there is excitement surrounding the device, expectations for Apple's AI features, set to be tested in China soon, are low, with some users describing their previous experiences with Apple Intelligence as underwhelming.
The launch reflects both the potential for high demand in the foldable market and the challenges Apple faces from established local competitors