Apple enters a crowded foldable smartphone market in China – can it beat Huawei?
Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, in China, entering a competitive market dominated by Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi. The device features a dual-eSIM design and a high price point. While trending on Weibo, its adoption faces potential hurdles due to China's strict real-name registration requirements for eSIM activation. Consumers must complete in-person identity checks at physical stores to activate or migrate an eSIM, a process that differs significantly from international markets.
Apple's iPhone Duo launch in China highlights a critical market entry challenge beyond product specs: local regulatory friction. The dual-eSIM design, while innovative, runs directly into mainland China's strict real-name registration for eSIMs. This requires time-consuming in-person identity checks, a significant inconvenience for Chinese consumers accustomed to seamless digital services. This situation points to a broader issue for foreign tech giants in Asia. Even with a strong brand like Apple, local regulatory landscapes and consumer habits can create unexpected adoption barriers. For Huawei and Xiaomi, this regulatory friction could inadvertently strengthen their entrenched positions, as their products likely avoid such activation complexities. The market will watch if Apple can navigate this local hurdle or if it becomes a significant drag on iPhone Duo sales in China.
Share this article
Related reading
6 stories
Apple unveils its first foldable, the iPhone Duo
We covered Apple's foldable iPhone Duo launch, the product at the heart of this market entry challenge.
TSMC confirms talks with Elon Musk over Texas ‘Terafab’ but insists on operational control
China, US discuss AI as chip stock rout hits Asian markets
China’s CXMT gets pledge of support as provincial party chief vows chip-industry expansion
Start-up unveils prototype ‘heart’ of EUV lithography amid China chipmaking push
