Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, faced an immediate shortage after the start of pre-orders. According to reports from China, initial stocks of the device sold out in seconds, and some buyers were unable to place their orders. Against the background of limited supply, resellers became more active, which sell smartphones at much higher prices. In the US, the price iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the 256GB version. The 512GB and 1TB models cost $2,199 and $2,599, respectively. However, even the willingness to pay the official price does not guarantee that you will receive the device quickly.
Why the iPhone Duo may have to wait until December
According to Chinese media reports, new iPhone Duo orders in China can now only be delivered in December. Employees Apple Store ostensibly explain the limited stocks due to the complexity of the production of the new hinged mechanism. According to one estimate, the first batch of smartphones could be no more than 200,000 devices for all sales channels. This figure has not been confirmed by Apple, so it should be taken as a preliminary estimate rather than official production statistics. Reports of the smartphone’s initial availability have changed amid new shortage data. According to store employees, a significant part of the devices could have been purchased by resellers. On Chinese resale sites, the model with 256 GB of memory is already allegedly offered at a price of up to $3,885. That’s almost $1,900 more than the official US starting price. According to reports from China, shipments of the 1TB version may not start until next year. These prices are not official Apple rates and may change based on demand and availability of the device.
iPhone Duo features: A20 Pro, 12GB of RAM and a titanium body
According to published data, the iPhone Duo works on a processor A20 Pro and has 12 GB of RAM. The Geekbench 7 results for the device show 3,986 points in the single-core test and 11,067 points in the multi-core test. These results are close to those of the iPhone 18 Pro models, although a final comparison requires identical testing conditions and independent verification. Among other declared features:
- titanium case;
- thickness about 5.2 mm in the unfolded state;
- two displays with a refresh rate of 120 Hz;
- front camera placed under the internal screen;
- matte coating of the internal display with a nanotexture;
- eSIM support only in US models.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also spoke about the design of the device and the hinge mechanism. According to him, the company paid special attention to the feeling when opening the smartphone. Apple reportedly teamed up with Samsung to develop the display specifically for the device, rather than simply purchasing a panel off-the-shelf. Among the key challenges were reducing screen creases, display durability, and potential stylus support.
How much does it cost to repair a foldable iPhone
The high price of the smartphone itself is not the only cost item. According to published estimates, repairing an iPhone Duo after the end of the warranty can cost a significant fraction of the cost of a new device.
| Type of repair | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Replacing the internal display | $1200 |
| External display replacement | $480 |
| Battery replacement | $285 |
| Repair of the main camera | $270 |
| Other serious damage | Up to $1800 |
These amounts are based on service charge notices and may vary by country, specific fault and service conditions. Damage to a large internal screen or hinge can be particularly expensive. Therefore, before buying, it is worth checking the availability of warranty service and the conditions of insurance coverage. AppleCare+ can be a useful option if the program is available in the country of purchase and covers the types of damage you want.
Why Apple May Limit iPhone Duo Supply
A foldable smartphone is more difficult to manufacture than a traditional monoblock. The manufacturer needs to ensure the precise operation of the hinge, the durability of the flexible display and the reliability of the structure during repeated opening and closing. If production of the new mechanism does indeed limit production, Apple may need additional time to ramp up volumes. At the same time, the company has not yet officially confirmed either the scale of the deficit or the reasons for the delays. The situation is also influenced by high initial demand. For the first folding iPhone, the interest of buyers can be particularly high, and the limited number of devices creates conditions for speculative resale.
Should you buy the iPhone Duo now?
iPhone Duo offers an unusual format for Apple with two displays, a thin body and a flagship processor. However, potential buyers should take into account not only the characteristics, but also the availability of the smartphone, possible reseller markups and the high cost of repairs. If the device is urgently needed, it is worth checking the official sales channels and not confusing Apple’s recommended price with offers on the secondary market. If there is no rush, waiting for supply to stabilize can help avoid overpaying. At this time, Apple has not confirmed all reports of shortages and delivery times. Therefore, information about December orders, the size of the first batch and the future availability of 1 TB models should be considered as preliminary data.
