iPhone Duo goes on sale in SA, but taking it out on contract is going to break the bank

The iPhone Duo has just gone on sale in South Africa, but purchasing it on contract will cost a pretty penny. The base model costs R47,999 upfront, but choosing a contract plan drives the price up significantly. The cheapest option is R1,699 per month on a Telkom FlexOn6 package over 36 months, which totals R61,164 over three years for the 256GB model.

Telkom controls the top four cheapest contract tiers before MTN enters the market with a lower-tier offer. The best value among these initial options is likely Telkom’s fourth package at R1,839 monthly over 36 months, bringing the total to R66,204 for the 512GB version. MTN’s offer is just slightly higher at R1,849 per month for the 256GB model, totaling R66,564 over three years.

Vodacom and Cell C follow at R1,999 monthly for the 256GB model, amounting to a total of R71,964. Even the Cell C match raises an eyebrow, offering the same R1,999 monthly rate for the 256GB model. Foldables are still a niche segment within the smartphone world, mostly limited by these high costs. Competitors in Samsung's Fold lineup operate in a similar premium range, though other devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 or Huawei Mate X7 may offer better overall value for money.

In realistic terms, skipping the base 256GB iPhone Duo leaves enough budget to purchase a top-tier 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max for R45,699. Ultimately, the iPhone Duo's high price tag comes down to sheer novelty, introducing a new form factor to Apple's product line and signaling the tech giant's official entry into foldable technology. If you need to ask how much the iPhone Duo costs, it's likely beyond your budget.