Apple launches into foldable market as iPhone Duo sales begin
Sales of Apple’s first folding phone, the iPhone Duo , began on Friday, with market watchers betting on whether the device can reinvent the small foldables market in the same way the iPhone did for smartphones. The Duo’s reception could prove an early test for new CEO John Ternus , the former hardware chief who unveiled the phone barely a week after taking charge in September. It could also have…
On Friday, Apple launched its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, to much anticipation. Market analysts are curious if this device can disrupt the small foldables market in the same way the iPhone transformed smartphones. As CEO John Ternus, a former hardware chief, unveiled the phone just a week after taking charge in September, the Duo's reception might serve as an early test for the new leadership.
The launch also holds significant implications for the niche foldable category, where rivals Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have been selling high-end devices for years.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened on Friday, with delivery dates slipping to late January within minutes due to high demand. Apple capped pre-orders at two handsets per customer and limited walk-in sales, resulting in smaller crowds than usual for new iPhone releases. In countries like China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan, units would only be available online for customers who had pre-ordered.
Upon launch, customers lined up outside Apple stores around the world. In Sydney, a queue formed outside the first Apple store at 8 am local time, with one happy customer paying A$3,899 ($2,734) for a 512GB Duo. In China, where the smartphone market has seen declining shipments for six consecutive quarters, Apple's market share has rebounded as consumers upgrade to premium devices or seek affordable options.
During the online pre-sale in Hong Kong, May, a 38-year-old individual secured a 256GB iPhone Duo, planning to resell it for a profit of around HK$4,000.
Initial reviews of the iPhone Duo have been mixed. While reviewers praised its design and sturdy hinge, they expressed concerns about camera limitations and the Duo's usability in everyday tasks. John Gruber, a longtime Apple commentator, described the device as a "polished prototype" rather than a finished product, while Marques Brownlee noted that the phone might not be ideal for everyday users but could be enjoyable for those who prioritize the experience and are willing to adapt to the new display size.
Analysts predict that Apple will take a significant share of the foldable market by 2026, marking a new chapter for the smartphone industry.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
