Apple prices iPhone Duo at 15,999 yuan in China

Apple priced its foldable iPhone Duo at 15,999 yuan in China, or about $2,230, positioning the device between rival offerings. Xiaomi sells its 18 Fold at 10,999 yuan, while Huawei charges 19,999 yuan for its trifold Mate XT2. In the United States, Apple set the iPhone Duo starting price at $1,999.

The pricing strategy arrives alongside competitive and logistical hurdles. Huawei held 68% of Chinese foldable shipments in the second quarter and led China's overall smartphone market with a 22.6% share. Apple ranked second overall with 18.1% after growing shipments 24.4% year over year in the second quarter and 20% in the first quarter. China accounts for roughly 17% of Apple's total revenue. Additionally, the device lacks a physical SIM slot, requiring mainland buyers to complete in-person identity verification at China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom to activate an eSIM.

Industry forecasters project significant expansion for foldables following Apple's arrival. Research firm Omdia expects global foldable smartphone shipments to reach 22.3 million units in 2026, marking the sector's largest annual shipment boost since 2021. Counterpoint estimates Apple will sell close to 6 million Duo units by year-end, capturing approximately one-quarter of the worldwide foldable market.