Apple has officially introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, to the Chinese market, where it immediately encountered stiff competition and consumer hesitation over its price point. Launched at 15,999 yuan (approximately $2,230), the device sits between rival offerings from Xiaomi and Huawei, sparking debate among buyers in one of the world’s most saturated foldable markets.
During an event at Cupertino’s Steve Jobs Theater on Wednesday, Apple CEO John Ternus unveiled the device. However, early feedback on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat highlighted concerns about affordability relative to local incomes. One user noted that while American consumers might find the device accessible given higher monthly salaries, Chinese buyers earning significantly less view the price as prohibitive. Another commenter stated they plan to wait for a second-generation model rather than purchase the Duo this year.
The launch comes as China represents roughly 17% of Apple’s total revenue, making it a critical region for the tech giant. Unlike other global markets where foldables are still emerging, Chinese consumers have long had access to a variety of options from domestic brands including Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo. These competitors offer diverse form factors, ranging from book-style and flip phones to Huawei’s innovative trifold designs.
Prior to Apple’s announcement, Xiaomi and Huawei released their own flagship foldables on Monday. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is priced at 10,999 yuan, while Huawei’s trifold Mate XT2 carries a premium tag of 19,999 yuan. Despite the Duo being cheaper than Huawei’s offering, online discussion focused heavily on whether the brand value justifies the cost compared to locally established alternatives.
Market data underscores the intensity of this rivalry. According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei dominated China’s smartphone market in both the first and second quarters of 2026, with Apple finishing second ahead of Vivo and Oppo. Globally, Samsung has recently surpassed Apple in overall smartphone shipments and holds a leading 32% share of the foldable segment, compared to 25% for Apple and 24% for Huawei.
Beyond pricing, some users raised technical concerns regarding the iPhone Duo’s removal of a physical SIM-card slot. Mainland Chinese users may need to visit carrier stores for ID verification to activate the eSIM functionality, a hurdle that domestic competitors do not present.
Following the launch event, Apple shares rose more than 3%. The Xiaomi 18 Fold becomes available for purchase this Thursday, with the Huawei Mate XT2 following shortly after. Apple’s iPhone Duo pre-orders are scheduled to begin on October 16, with general sales commencing on October 23.
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