Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, began store sales on Oct. 23 with a U.S. starting price of $1,999. Reuters reported strong interest across launch markets but fewer queues than at earlier iPhone releases, in part because many units were allocated to pre-orders and walk-in stock was limited. [1] [2]
A new form factor at a premium price
Apple announced the Duo in September and opened pre-orders on Oct. 16. Its launch notice lists a $1,999 starting price in the United States and availability from Oct. 23 in more than 70 countries and regions. Apple’s announcement says the model has inner and outer displays; it also notes that actual viewable area is smaller than the measured rectangular screen dimensions. [1]
Reuters reported that Apple’s estimated delivery dates slipped to late January within minutes of pre-orders opening. The company described the response as “nothing short of extraordinary,” Reuters said. Apple also capped pre-orders at two handsets per customer, while some markets restricted in-store purchases to people who had ordered online. These details point to constrained launch-day availability, though Apple has not published unit sales or a supply total. [2]
Early reviews are mixed
Reuters’ launch coverage noted praise for the device’s design and hinge, alongside criticism that some third-party apps were not yet reworked for the larger display and that the camera lacks a telephoto lens. Those observations are attributed to reviewers cited in the report, not a universal assessment. [2]
The launch is an early test of whether Apple can expand a foldable-phone category already served by Samsung and Huawei. Reuters cited IDC’s forecast that Apple could lead the foldable market by value and units in 2027; that is a market prediction, not a measured outcome. [2]
Sources
[1] Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces iPhone Duo [2] Reuters: Apple’s foldable iPhone hits stores with a $2,000 price tag [3] ABC News: Apple announces first-ever foldable iPhone