Apple has introduced its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, in India and globally, marking a potential turning point for the foldable smartphone industry. Early sales have exceeded supply, but the device faces scrutiny over design trade-offs and usability.
- iPhone Duo sales exceed initial supply with delivery delays to January
- Praise for design innovation contrasted with camera and app limitations
- Apple expected to lead foldable smartphone market by 2027
What happened
Apple officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, starting sales in India and other key markets. Pre-order demand rapidly exceeded supply, pushing delivery estimates to late January 2027 in many regions. Apple described customer enthusiasm as extraordinary, with the device becoming available online and limited in-store depending on the country.
The iPhone Duo features a premium design with a nearly invisible hinge, a significant improvement addressing common foldable phone issues such as screen creases. Despite the excitement, reviewers highlighted important compromises including the absence of a telephoto lens for the camera and the need for third-party apps to optimize for the new foldable display size.
Why it matters
The iPhone Duo represents Apple's bold entry into a niche but evolving foldable smartphone market that has seen sustained premium releases from competitors like Samsung and Huawei. Apple's brand power and innovation have the potential to push foldables into mainstream adoption, greatly expanding the segment's reach.
According to market research firm IDC, Apple is projected to capture 44% of the total foldable device market value and 31% of units sold in 2026, positioning it as a future market leader by 2027. Success for Apple means likely accelerating consumer interest and investment in foldable technology, potentially reshaping smartphone design trends on a broader scale.
What to watch next
The critical test for Apple will be converting initial excitement into sustained availability and consumer adoption, overcoming supply constraints and user learning curves. Apple's approach to improving app compatibility and continuing hardware refinements will influence the device’s mass appeal, especially for casual users who perform everyday smartphone tasks.
Geographically, watch for varied walk-in availability impacting sales performance, particularly in India and other regions where stock will be primarily online. The market response over the coming quarters will reveal if Apple can truly redefine the foldable smartphone category and how competitors will respond to its entry.