Apple expected to sell 6 million units of iPhone Duo on 'bold' price point

Apple is anticipated to sell approximately six million units of its new foldable iPhone Duo this year, driven by its competitive pricing, according to Counterpoint Research. The foldable device is priced at $1,999, slightly above the Galaxy Z Fold8. Counterpoint Research's Tarun Pathak praised Apple's pricing strategy, stating that keeping the iPhone Duo under $2,000 is a bold move, especially for a first-generation foldable.

This pricing is expected to attract existing iPhone Pro series users and early adopters who have been eagerly anticipating an Apple foldable. The six million unit sales figure is an upper estimate, contingent on production ramp-up speed. During its launch, Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, described the iPhone Duo as a "thoughtful design," distinguishing it from other foldables that appear as two glued-together phones.

Orders for Apple's first foldable phone will commence on October 16 in the UAE, starting at Dh8,499 ($2,300) for the base model, potentially rising to Dh13,600 for a higher storage variant. However, challenges persist, including durability, crease visibility, hinge reliability, thickness, weight, and battery life. Despite these hurdles, Apple's entry into the foldables market is anticipated to significantly boost the category, amid a broader decline in the global smartphone market.

Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 16.7% this year, marking the steepest annual contraction ever recorded. Yet, the foldables segment is projected to grow by 12.6% in 2026 and accelerate to 18% growth in 2027, reaching roughly 27 million units. This growth is primarily attributed to Apple's entry into the foldables market this year, converting a declining segment into the fastest-growing part of the industry.