{
  "id": 16575098,
  "title": "Apple’s R77k iPhone Duo sells out in SA despite durability concerns [VIDEO]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/apples-r77k-iphone-duo-sells-out-in-sa-despite-durability-concerns",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-26T07:41:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/apples-iphone-duo-sells-out-sa-despite-durability-concerns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple has introduced its new iPhone Duo foldable smartphone in South Africa, priced at R48,000 for the 256GB model and R77,000 for the 2TB version. These cash prices have reportedly left the iStore fully sold out on the device's launch day, despite concerns over its durability. The iPhone Duo, Apple's biggest shift in its nearly 20-year history, aims to redefine the foldable experience with a large display, a unique center hinge, and a titanium construction. However, it features a fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID due to the hinge mechanism. Competing with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Duo's premium price is attributed to Apple's integration of hardware and software. Following its launch, reports have surfaced regarding durability issues, with screen failures and permanent green lines appearing under certain stress tests. The iPhone Duo scored a provisional 5 out of 10 for repairability, with a high replacement cost of around $999 (R16,592).",
  "summary": "The Duo pushes Apple into direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}