Apple iPhone Duo Hits China, Faces Tough Competition and Pricing Backlash

Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, on Wednesday, introducing the device to consumers in Greater China at a starting price of 15,999 yuan, or roughly 2,230 U.S. dollars. The launch represents a major strategic move into the world's most competitive foldable-phone market, which currently accounts for approximately 17% of Apple's total global revenue.

The launch coincided with aggressive counter-programming from local competitors, as Xiaomi and Huawei introduced their own flagship devices, including the Xiaomi 18 Fold and the trifold Mate XT2, priced at 10,999 yuan and 19,999 yuan respectively. According to market data from Counterpoint, Huawei led China's smartphone market in the first two quarters of the year, with Apple ranking second.

'I won't buy it this year. I'll buy the second-generation foldable next year,' stated one user on the social media platform WeChat following the product announcement.

Beyond pricing pressures, Chinese consumers voiced practical concerns regarding the device's lack of a physical SIM-card slot, a feature that requires mainland users to complete in-person carrier ID verifications for eSIM activation. Meanwhile, Apple shares rose more than 3% following the product showcase despite the mixed regional reception.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to begin on October 16, with official retail sales commencing across regional markets on October 23.