The R77 000 iPhone has arrived in South Africa

Apple has officially unveiled the price of its highly anticipated foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, in South Africa. The entry-level 256GB model will set consumers back R47,999, which translates to roughly $1,999 in the US market. Local import duties and taxes add about R15,216 to the final price. While this price point may seem steep, it is slightly lower than earlier industry estimates that had predicted a starting price of R50,000.

The 512GB version of the iPhone Duo comes in at R52,999, the 1TB model reaches R62,499, and the top-tier 2TB configuration is priced at R76,999. Foldable smartphones have traditionally been a niche segment within the broader smartphone market, primarily limited by these high price barriers. Competitors in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series typically fall within a similar premium range, although devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 or Huawei Mate X7 are believed to offer better overall value for money.

Given the novelty of the iPhone Duo's unique form factor, Apple's decision to launch it signals the company's official entry into the foldable technology space. In comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at R40,999 for the 256GB variant, providing a more accessible entry point for foldable enthusiasts. Despite Samsung's experience in flexible display hardware since 2019, the iPhone Duo is still likely to capture the attention of early adopters who are willing to invest in Apple's inaugural foldable device. Pre-orders began on Friday, with an estimated delivery time of one to two weeks.