After Apple’s launch of its foldable iPhone, what are the caveats for Chinese buyers?
Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, priced from US$1,999. The device features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, powered by the A20 Pro chip. While mainland China is part of the initial launch wave with pre-orders opening October 16, regulatory approval for its eSIM-only design is still pending. This launch marks Apple's entry into China's highly competitive foldable market, currently dominated by Huawei Technologies with nearly 80 percent share. Key AI features like Apple Intelligence and Siri AI will not be available in mainland China at launch.
Apple's entry into China's foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo, priced from 15,999 yuan, presents a significant challenge to Huawei's near 80 percent market dominance. The device's premium positioning and design focus aim to redefine the foldable experience, potentially giving Chinese buyers a new reason to consider Apple. However, the immediate hurdle is regulatory approval for the iPhone Duo's eSIM-only design, which could delay its October 23 retail debut in mainland China. A similar issue caused weeks of delay for the iPhone Air last year, indicating a real risk for Apple's launch timeline. Beyond hardware, the omission of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI in mainland China at launch is a notable drawback. While Apple has confirmed support for simplified Chinese, the absence of these core AI features could limit the device's appeal in a market increasingly focused on advanced AI capabilities. This situation reflects the complex regulatory environment Apple navigates in China, particularly concerning data and cybersecurity.
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