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]

Why It Matters

The Duo is Apple’s first attempt to sell a foldable at a $1,999 starting price in a category already served by Samsung and Huawei. Delivery dates slipping to late January and limits on purchases point to constrained supply rather than soft demand, though Apple has published no unit figures. Early reviews praising the design and hinge while criticizing app support and the missing telephoto lens will shape whether buyers treat the form factor as ready for daily use.

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