Apple's $2,230 iPhone Duo Draws Tepid China Response as 15,999 Yuan Price Stings
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 11
Apple's $2,230 iPhone Duo Draws Tepid China Response as 15,999 Yuan Price Stings
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 11
Summary
Chinese social-media users balked at the iPhone Duo's 15,999 yuan ($2,230) price, with some saying they would wait for a second-generation model instead of buying Apple's first foldable this year.
The hesitation also reflects a practical drawback: the Duo lacks a physical SIM slot, potentially forcing mainland buyers to visit carrier stores for ID verification to activate eSIM service.
Apple is entering a crowded China foldables market where Xiaomi's new 18 Fold starts at 10,999 yuan and Huawei's trifold Mate XT2 at 19,999 yuan, giving consumers familiar domestic alternatives across multiple form factors.
Greater China generates about 17% of Apple's revenue, making the Duo a key test in a market where Huawei led smartphone sales in the first two quarters and Apple ranked second.
Pre-orders for the Duo begin Oct. 16 and sales start Oct. 23, after Xiaomi starts selling its latest foldable on Thursday and Huawei follows days later.