Apple enters foldable phone market with $2,000 iPhone Duo, facing long waits
Apple released its first foldable handset, the iPhone Duo, on October 23, 2026, priced at $2,000. Preorders were strong enough to push many delivery dates into January 2027, while stores imposed purchase limits and had little walk-in stock. The device puts Apple in competition with Samsung and Huawei and has created resale opportunities.
Apple began selling the iPhone Duo on October 23, 2026, at $2,000. Preorder demand pushed many estimated arrivals to late January 2027. Apple capped purchases at two per buyer, and walk-in stock was scarce in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe. Customers in China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan had to order online for store pickup.
The handset opens from a passport-like shape into a tablet-sized screen. Reviewers praised its hinge and minimal display crease, but noted missing telephoto and facial-recognition features. Some third-party apps still need optimization. A Hong Kong buyer expected about HK$4,000 resale profit, while a Sydney customer paid A$3,899 for a 512GB model.
The iPhone Duo’s high price and limited supply could turn it into a luxury status item, affecting early adopters, budget-conscious buyers, and resellers. Scarce stock may strengthen resale markets and frustrate ordinary customers. App developers could face pressure to optimize for folding screens, while Samsung and Huawei may see renewed competition. Broader adoption may depend on whether the larger display justifies the cost and missing features for everyday users.