Apple bets on the foldable iPhone Duo to lift revenue
Apple's first foldable iPhone starts at $1,999, and much of the initial supply sold out on pre-order day. Even with lower volumes, its high price could boost Apple's revenue.
Apple has launched its first foldable iPhone. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, and the top model with 2TB of storage costs $3,199. Much of the initial supply sold out on the first day of pre-orders.
Why the Duo matters
Analysts say Apple wants the Duo to strengthen its grip on the premium smartphone market and raise its average selling price. Market researcher IDC expects Apple to ship about 7 million iPhone Duos in 2026, roughly 3% of all iPhone shipments. If shipments grow 70% next year, Apple could take around 40% of the global foldable market.
Demand may outstrip supply
Counterpoint Research estimates that 6 million units or fewer will be available at first. If even a small share of Apple’s roughly 1.4 billion iPhone users are interested, demand will exceed supply.
Most Duo buyers are expected to be existing iPhone owners. Some will choose it over a Pro Max; others will use it as a second phone. So even if unit sales are modest, the high price should lift revenue. Analysts at JPMorgan and D.A. Davidson also see the Duo’s success as important for keeping Apple’s growth on track.
The risks
The high price could make some buyers delay upgrading, stretching replacement cycles and cutting overall demand. The Duo’s long-term success will depend on how customers respond and how the market grows.