Apple Begins iPhone Duo Sales Friday at $1,999 as Preorders Slip to Late January

Apple starts selling its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday, betting the $1,999 device can broaden the small foldables market. Preorders that opened last Friday pushed estimated delivery dates to late January as demand outpaced supply. The launch is an early test for new CEO John Ternus, the former hardware chief who unveiled the Duo in September shortly after taking charge. Early reviews praised its premium design and barely visible hinge but flagged the lack of a telephoto lens, third-party apps needing rework, and reduced usability when folded. Several prominent reviewers recommended against it for typical users. Apple said walk-in stock would be limited in the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico and much of Britain and Europe, with China, France, Hong Kong, India and Japan restricted to online orders. IDC expects Apple to capture 44% of foldable value in 2026 on 31% of units, becoming the category leader by 2027.