After Apple’s launch of its foldable iPhone, what are the caveats for Chinese buyers?

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable smartphone, at its annual product launch event on Wednesday in Cupertino, California, following months of mounting anticipation.

Presented by CEO John Ternus, the sleek, passport-style device stole the spotlight at the Apple Park event. Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1, said the handset would “redefine the experience of using a foldable phone”.

Starting at US$1,999 – or HK$17,499 (US$2,231) if bought in Hong Kong – Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date comes in cheaper than industry estimates, despite soaring component costs. In mainland China, the device starts at 15,999 yuan (US$2,384), rising to 26,499 yuan for the top-tier model.

“[The] iPhone Duo … is Apple’s attempt to frame foldability as a complete premium experience, rather than an experimental hardware feature,” said Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president for worldwide client devices at IDC.