Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has entered the market with strong early interest and a $1,999 starting price, testing whether the company can turn foldable phones from niche devices into a mainstream choice.
The phone went on sale in more than 70 countries and regions, marking Apple’s entry into a market already served by manufacturers including Samsung and Huawei.
Within minutes of online orders opening, some customers received delivery estimates extending into January 2027. Apple has not disclosed preorder figures, however, meaning the delays cannot be attributed entirely to demand because the initial supply was also limited.
The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display and opens to reveal a 7.6-inch inner screen intended for entertainment, gaming and multitasking. Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro processor, it is available with storage capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
Apple adapted its operating system for the two displays. The phone’s Split View feature allows users to operate two applications side by side, while applications including Netflix, Zoom and Slack have been adjusted for its larger inner screen.
Early reviews praised the inner display, battery performance and sturdy construction. Critics, however, raised concerns about the phone’s weight, small outer screen, camera performance and the limited number of third-party applications fully adapted to its folding design.
The starting price could present the greatest barrier to wider adoption. At $1,999 in the United States, the iPhone Duo costs considerably more than a conventional premium smartphone and is likely to appeal initially to affluent customers and technology enthusiasts.
Market researcher IDC expects global foldable-phone shipments to grow by 18 per cent in 2027, helped by Apple’s arrival in a category that had been losing momentum.
IDC forecasts that Apple could capture about 40 per cent of the global foldable market and generate more than $45.7 billion from the category.
Whether that growth extends beyond early adopters will depend on sustained demand, wider application support and consumers’ willingness to pay at least $1,999.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10