Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 1 hr ago
Apple begins sales of its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo
Apple has begun selling the iPhone Duo, its first folding phone, in Sydney and other markets.
The launch tests whether Apple can attract buyers to a category where Samsung and Huawei have sold premium foldable phones for years.
Strong pre-orders quickly pushed delivery estimates to late January, while supplies are limited in several countries.
Early reviews praise the phone’s design and sturdy hinge, but note that it lacks a telephoto camera and some apps need adjustment for its screen.
Reviewers also say the folded phone can be less convenient for everyday tasks, and some advise ordinary iPhone users against buying it.
The device is an expensive purchase, and its reception could be an early test for new Apple CEO John Ternus.
Availability varies by country, with online orders required in some markets and walk-in stocks limited in others.
Apple began sales of its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday.
Strong demand pushed estimated delivery dates for pre-orders to late January.
Early reviews praised the design and hinge but raised concerns about the camera and ease of use.
Walk-in availability is limited in several countries, and some markets require customers to order online.
A queue formed outside an Apple store in Sydney before it opened at 8 a.m. local time.
- Who
- Apple began selling the iPhone Duo. Customers and technology reviewers have responded to the launch.
- What
- Sales began for Apple's first folding phone.
- When
- Friday; the article was published on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Sales began in Sydney, Australia, with availability varying by country.
- Why
- The launch is an early test of whether Apple can attract buyers to foldable phones and reshape the small foldables market.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pre-orders opened, and estimated delivery dates slipped to late January within minutes.
Apple began sales of the iPhone Duo.
Customers queued outside the first Apple store selling the phone, in Sydney.
- Phone
- iPhone Duo, Apple's first folding phone
- Sydney store opening
- 8 a.m. local time
- Buyer price
- A$3,899 for a 512GB model
- Pre-order delivery estimates
- Slipped to late January
- Walk-in availability
- Limited in the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico and much of Britain and Europe
- Online orders only
- China, France, Hong Kong, India and Japan
What people are saying
nothing short of extraordinary
This is a bit of a luxury item for me, because it's so expensive, but I just think, you know what? Life's too short
It's been a lot of fun trying the Duo out for a week, but it feels like I've gotten to use an extraordinarily polished prototype - not a finished product that I'd want to buy and carry
if you're just a regular person who doesn't do much more than texting, social media and browsing here and there, then it is probably a no.