Apple’s iPhone Duo: A foldable leap with a few creases to iron out

Benchmarks Nifty22,600.00-87.66FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★UTI Aggressive Hybrid Fund Regular Plan-Growth5Y Return8.69 % Invest NowFEATURED FUNDS★★★★★Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth5Y Return18.25 % Invest NowEnter search text:

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper Apple’s iPhone Duo: A foldable leap with a few creases to iron outET OnlineLast Updated: Oct 23, 2026, 04:17:00 PM ISTSynopsis

Apple's new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, quickly sold out after its launch in India. The device has experienced software optimization issues and supply challenges, affecting availability for consumers. iPhone Duo's launch price reaches up to ₹4,49,900, leading to concerns about its camera capabilities. A purchase limit has been established to combat grey-market reselling, creating further scarcity.

Listen to this article in summarized format

Loading...×Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, sold out in India within an hour of launch, reflecting strong buyer interest. However, the device also comes with compromises, including software optimization gaps, camera limitations, supply constraints and a starting price of ₹2,99,900.

Software still has some folding to do

Priced up to ₹4,49,900 for the top-end variant, the iPhone Duo introduces a new form factor but has room for improvement in everyday use.

ET Digital’s Dhruv Mohan, who was present at the launch, noted that third-party apps such as Instagram and YouTube do not fully utilise the expanded display, leaving a black bar along the side. The optimisation for these apps is pending, something that should be fixed eventually.

The device also uses Touch ID instead of Face ID, making unlocking comparatively less immediate.

Live Events

Watch full review here.

The absence of a dedicated telephoto sensor could be a drawback for content creators and users who rely on zoom photography. The overall camera performance, however, remains impressive. The phone is also eSIM-only, making compatibility worth checking before purchase.

The bigger crease: Supply constraints

Manufacturing challenges could limit availability. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple went ahead with the iPhone Duo's pre-orders despite knowing that the device would face severe supply constraints due to manufacturing challenges. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman described the decision as a "major mistake", arguing that Apple prioritised an early launch over meeting customer demand. Apple has not publicly responded to his assessment.

Counterpoint Research estimates that Apple could sell around 6 million Duo units in 2026, accounting for 25% of global foldable shipments. “Supply is tight,” said Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak, suggesting Apple may need more manufacturing partners in India.

Also read: Apple iPhone Duo sells out in India within an hour, new orders now showing January deliveries

The shortage is already affecting buyers. The phone sold out within an hour of launch, with new orders showing January delivery dates on the website.

A two-phone limit, and a premium on scarcity

Apple has capped purchases at two iPhones per customer on its official online store, across its active iPhone range. According to the TOI Tech desk, the limit applies even when customers attempt to buy different models in the same order. Sources told the publication that the restriction does not apply to physical stores.

While Apple has not officially explained the online limit, it could be intended to prevent bulk purchases by grey-market resellers and scalpers.

Scarcity has also created an opportunity for grey-market sellers, who are reportedly asking ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 above the Duo’s starting price in India.

Is the foldable worth the trade-offs?

The iPhone Duo offers Apple users a new form factor and multitasking capabilities, but its premium price comes with practical compromises, from software that needs further optimisation to limited availability.

The real test for Apple will be turning the foldable experience into a seamless one. For buyers, the question is whether getting an iPhone that folds is worth paying more, waiting longer and accepting a few rough edges.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News oniPhone DuoApple foldable smartphoneiPhone Duo reviewiPhone Duo launchiPhone Duo camera limitationsApple smartphone pricesAppleApple iPhone salesiPhone India launch

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

...moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News oniPhone DuoApple foldable smartphoneiPhone Duo reviewiPhone Duo launchiPhone Duo camera limitationsApple smartphone pricesAppleApple iPhone salesiPhone India launch

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

...morelessContinue reading with one of these options:Limited AccessFreeLogin to get access to some exclusive stories
& personalised newslettersLogin NowUnlimited AccessStarting @ Rs120/monthGet access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &
in-depth stock reportsSubscribe NowET

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only OfferAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail OfferAvail OfferClaim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004'; }); } if(listing) { var h3 = "You tried reading " + listArr.length + " locked stories in the past " + threshold + " days.", h4 = "Become an ET Prime member and don't miss out on these exclusive stories."; var html = '

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

'; $('#paidSCWidget').html(html); var callback = $('#paidSCWidget').attr('data-callback'); if(callback && window[callback]) { window[callback](); } customDimension.dimension72 += ' | Shown SYFT no Trial_With Missed Paywalled Articles Collection'; } else { _processNormal() } } }); } else { _processNormal(); } } catch (e) { _processNormal(); } }, function () { _processNormal(); }); //console.log('storyCollectionLoad', $); }

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with
in-depth insights that matter

• Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

  What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising

• Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

  Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?

• Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

  The problem with lab grown diamonds

• Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

  A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year

2Invest Wisely With Smart Market Tools & Investment Ideas

Alpha Trade

Get daily trade ideas from SEBI-registered research analysts.

Investment Ideas

Grow your wealth with stock ideas & sectoral trends.

Stock Reports Plus

All-in-one stock research with Stock Score, peer comparison & key signals.

BigBull Portfolio

Get to know where the market bulls are investing to identify the right stocks.

Stock Analyzer

Check the score based on the company's fundamentals, solvency, growth, risk & ownership to decide the right stocks.

Market Mood

Analyze the market sentiments & identify the trend reversal for strategic decisions.

Stock Talk Live at 9 AM Daily

Ask your stock queries & get assured replies by ET appointed, SEBI registered experts.

3Stay informed anytime, anywhere with ET ePaper

ePaper - Print View

Read the PDF version of ET newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.

ePaper - Digital View

Read your daily newspaper in Digital View & get it delivered to your inbox everyday.

Wealth Edition

Manage your money efficiently with this weekly money management guide.

TOI ePaper

Read the PDF version of TOI newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.

Deep Explainers

Explore the In-depth explanation of complex topics for everyday life decisions.

Health+ Stories

Get fitter with daily health insights committed to your well-being.

Personal Finance+ Stories

Manage your wealth better with in-depth insights & updates on finance.

5Enjoy Complimentary Subscriptions From Top Brands

Stream new documentaries from all across the world every day.

Stories you might be interested in