The iPhone Duo enters China’s crowded foldable market
Chinese netizens focused on the price of Apple’s iPhone Duo, as cheaper Xiaomi and Huawei foldables raise value comparisons and muddle the foldable's reception.
TL;DR
- Apple's iPhone Duo is launching in China at a high price point (15,999 yuan / $2,230), drawing criticism from consumers.
- Chinese consumers are comparing the Duo's price unfavorably against cheaper foldable offerings from domestic rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi.
- The Chinese market is highly competitive in foldables, with established players like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo already offering multiple designs.
- Ahead of Apple's launch, Xiaomi and Huawei released new foldables (Xiaomi 18 Fold, Huawei Mate XT2) at lower price points.
- Concerns about the Duo's lack of a physical SIM card slot and reliance on eSIM activation have also been raised by users.
- Apple faces a significant test in Greater China, its third-largest market, which contributes about 17% of its revenue.