Apple Begins Delivering iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable Smartphone, Amid High Demand

Image: Company official website / logo · Source

Apple has started delivering the iPhone Duo worldwide as scheduled despite initial shipping delays. The device introduces new foldable smartphone capabilities with adapted apps and is available from 2,339 euros in Spain.

Apple has commenced the global delivery of the iPhone Duo, its inaugural foldable smartphone model, to customers despite earlier reported shipping delays. The device arrived at retail locations on the initially announced date from the September launch event, with customers seen queuing in multiple stores worldwide, including in major markets like Shanghai, China.

Retail photos have shown enthusiastic buyers gathering in lines outside Apple stores, their faces lit by smartphone screens under the iconic Apple logo. In Spain, the iPhone Duo starts at a price point of 2,339 euros, and Apple is providing various trade-in and rental options to facilitate purchases. Additionally, mobile network operators offer special deals for buyers opting to obtain the device through their services.

The iPhone Duo aims to invigorate the foldable smartphone market, which remains niche and underdeveloped compared to traditional smartphones. Bloomberg journalist Vlad Savov noted the potential for the iPhone Duo to stimulate this segment, but cautioned that foldable devices might continue as a niche if sales are insufficient.

Users who preordered the iPhone Duo through Apple's online platform faced extended wait times, reportedly up to three months, compared with about six weeks for prior Apple releases.

Apple has also highlighted software adaptations tailored for the foldable design to enhance user experience. For instance, Netflix allows users to navigate clips on the external screen while continuing playback on the interior display. Prime Video presents video content on the upper half of the unfolded screen, with cast information below when the device is semi-folded. Zoom integrates shared content and participant video feeds on screen simultaneously. Upcoming adaptations for Microsoft Word and Outlook will position formatting tools alongside documents and inboxes adjacent to messages respectively, further leveraging the dual-screen functionality.

Overall, the launch of the iPhone Duo marks Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, combining innovative hardware design with enhanced application support, aiming to attract users interested in advanced mobile experiences beyond traditional smartphones.