Apple’s first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, faces a tepid response in China due to its high price and stiff competition from domestic rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi, according to market data and consumer reactions reported by CNBC. Priced at 15,999 yuan (approximately $2,230 USD), the new device is entering a mature foldable market where local manufacturers already offer book-style, flip, and trifold designs at various price points.
Consumer Reaction and Pricing Pressures in Greater China
Consumer feedback on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat highlights a hesitance to purchase the iPhone Duo immediately. According to CNBC’s translations of social media commentary, many users are opting to wait for a second-generation model rather than paying the steep entry price. One WeChat user pointed out the stark contrast in purchasing power, noting that while U.S. buyers might spend a similar portion of a higher monthly income on the device, the 15,999 yuan price tag represents a much heavier financial burden relative to local wages.
Greater China serves as Apple’s third-biggest market, generating about 17% of the company’s total revenue. Despite Apple shares climbing more than 3% following the launch event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, analysts note that the company faces an uphill battle in a region dominated by established local players.
Stiff Competition From Huawei, Xiaomi, and Samsung
The iPhone Duo enters a market where domestic competitors have refined their folding technology across multiple generations. Ahead of Apple’s September launch event, Xiaomi and Huawei debuted new flagship foldables on Monday. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is priced at 10,999 yuan, while Huawei’s trifold Mate XT2 is priced at 19,999 yuan. Other major players including Honor, Oppo, and Vivo also actively sell folding devices across China.
According to Counterpoint Research data, Huawei led China’s smartphone market in both the first and second quarters, with Apple ranking second, followed by Vivo and Oppo. On a global scale, Counterpoint reports that Samsung narrowly reclaimed the lead over Apple by smartphone shipments in the second quarter. Samsung launched a new version of its folding phone earlier this year and is projected to hold a leading 32% share of the foldable market, compared to Apple at 25% and Huawei at 24%.
Did you know? Greater China generates approximately 17% of Apple’s total revenue, making it a critical region for the tech giant’s new hardware rollouts, particularly in highly competitive product categories like foldables.
Hardware and Activation Hurdles
Beyond pricing concerns, users on Chinese social media have raised practical objections regarding the iPhone Duo’s hardware design. Specifically, commenters highlighted the lack of a physical SIM-card slot on the device. For mainland users, this design choice may require an in-person visit to a carrier store for ID verification to activate an eSIM.
Release timelines vary significantly among competitors in the region. Xiaomi’s 18 Fold is scheduled to be available for purchase starting Thursday, with Huawei’s Mate XT2 following shortly after. Meanwhile, Apple has slated iPhone Duo pre-orders to begin on October 16, with official sales commencing on October 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the iPhone Duo cost in China?
The iPhone Duo is priced at 15,999 yuan, which translates to approximately $2,230 USD.
When does the iPhone Duo go on sale?
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to begin on October 16, with official sales starting on October 23.
Why are Chinese consumers hesitant to buy the iPhone Duo?
According to social media reactions cited by CNBC, consumers are weighing the high price tag against existing domestic foldables from brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, with some users planning to wait for a second-generation model. Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of a physical SIM-card slot.
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