Apple’s latest venture into the world of foldable phones with the iPhone Duo has garnered mixed reactions from Chinese consumers. While some are excited about the new device, others are hesitant due to its high price tag compared to existing foldables from domestic rivals.
One user on WeChat expressed their reluctance to purchase the iPhone Duo this year, opting to wait for the second-generation model instead. Priced at 15,999 yuan ($2,230) in China, the iPhone Duo is seen as a luxury item that may be out of reach for some consumers. A comparison was made to U.S. consumers who earn significantly more but pay less for the device, highlighting the disparity in affordability between different markets.
Despite the lukewarm reception from some Chinese consumers, Apple’s shares rose more than 3% after the launch event. The tech giant is now facing a critical test in Greater China, where it generates around 17% of its total revenue. The Chinese market is highly competitive, with Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo already offering a variety of foldable phone options.
Leading the smartphone market in China, Huawei has recently launched the Mate XT2, a trifold design priced at 19,999 yuan. Xiaomi, on the other hand, unveiled the Xiaomi 18 Fold priced at 10,999 yuan. The affordability of these devices compared to the iPhone Duo has sparked discussions on social media platforms.
In a global context, Samsung has reclaimed the lead over Apple in smartphone shipments, with Xiaomi ranking third. Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market has also been highlighted, with a 32% market share compared to Apple and Huawei at 25% and 24% respectively.
In addition to pricing concerns, Chinese consumers have also raised issues about the iPhone Duo’s lack of a physical SIM-card slot, which may require a visit to a carrier store for ID verification to activate an eSIM. Despite these challenges, Apple is gearing up for pre-orders of the iPhone Duo starting on Oct. 16, with sales set to begin on Oct. 23.
Overall, Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market has stirred up competition and sparked conversations among consumers. As the tech giant navigates the challenges of the Chinese market, it remains to be seen how the iPhone Duo will fare against its rivals in the coming months.
