iPhone Duo: A foldable leap with a few creases

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Apple’s iPhone Duo marks the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market, but manufacturing constraints, camera trade-offs and software optimisation gaps could temper its early appeal.<br> — Apple’s iPhone Duo marks the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market, but manufacturing constraints, camera trade-offs and software optimisation gaps could temper its early appeal.

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.

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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.