Apple Launches iPhone Duo: A Bid to Transform the Foldable Market
Commencing sales of its inaugural foldable device, the iPhone Duo, on Friday, Apple has ignited speculation among market analysts regarding whether this gadget can revolutionize the small foldables sector in a manner reminiscent of the iPhone’s impact on smartphones.
The early response to the Duo will serve as a litmus test for John Ternus, who recently ascended to the role of CEO. Remarkably, he unveiled the phone just days after taking the helm in September.
This launch holds significant ramifications for a niche segment in which competitors like Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have dominated with premium offerings for years.
As pre-orders commenced last Friday, Apple’s estimated delivery timelines for the Duo rapidly extended to late January, a clear indication that demand has far outstripped supply. The company characterized customer enthusiasm as “nothing short of extraordinary.”
In Sydney, the first Apple store to offer the devices witnessed eager consumers forming an orderly line outside prior to its opening at 8 a.m.
Among the early adopters, Simon Krishnan, a 48-year-old engineer, invested A$3,899 in a Duo featuring 512GB of storage.
“This represents a luxury purchase for me, given its high price, but I think, why not? Life’s too fleeting,” he remarked.
In China, however, a sluggish consumer landscape paired with rising memory costs has prompted a continued downturn in smartphone shipments for six successive quarters.
Nevertheless, Apple’s market share has rebounded, as some consumers opt for premium devices while others gravitate toward value offerings, thereby exerting pressure on mid-range brands.
Liu Wei, a 26-year-old healthcare professional, had previously owned a foldable device from Xiaomi but queued outside a central Shanghai Apple store from 6 a.m. to secure Apple’s version
“Having utilized Apple products for many years, I have greater trust in the brand, which motivated me to purchase it on launch day,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, a 38-year-old named May successfully procured a 256GB iPhone Duo, priced at HK$17,499, during an online pre-sale.
She plans to resell the handset with the hope of garnering a profit of approximately HK$4,000, quipping, “That’s about the cost of a few meals.”
However, limited inventory may lead to disappointment for Apple aficionados eager to purchase the Duo in stores.
Apple has indicated that walk-in availability will vary by region, with constrained stock in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and various parts of Britain and Europe.
Additionally, in locations such as Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, France, India, and Japan, units will only be accessible to customers who placed online orders.
Source link: Gbcode.rthk.hk.
