iPhone Duo Goes on Sale Worldwide

The launch begins

Apple's first folding iPhone, the iPhone Duo, went on sale in Australia and New Zealand on October 23. Sales in Asia, Europe and North America follow in turn. Pre-orders opened on October 16 in more than 70 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. By October 30, the phone was also sold in 28 more countries and regions.

Key facts and numbers

• Starting price: 1,999 US dollars.
• Screens: a 5.4-inch outer screen when folded, and a 7.6-inch inner screen when open.
• Colors: white and blue. Main camera: 48 megapixels. Chip: A20 Pro.
• In Vietnam, the price starts at 64.99 million dong (256 GB) and goes up to 103.99 million dong (2 TB).
• In Vietnam, about 10,000 units arrived in the first batch, not counting Apple Store Online.

Long lines and limited stock

In some cities, people lined up for hours or even days before sales began. In Sydney, one buyer said he waited in line for five days. Some stores got only a small number of phones for buyers who came in person on launch day. In other countries, such as France, China, India and Japan, customers could not buy on the spot. They had to pre-order and pick a delivery time.

Why it matters

A foldable iPhone is a new kind of product for Apple. It shows that the company is trying a new design after many years of similar-looking phones. Strong demand, long lines and limited stock also show how much people want the device. One store worker said the first batch in Vietnam was small compared with real demand, but still more than all other foldable phone makers sold.

What to watch

• Whether stock runs out soon, as Apple said demand is extremely high.
• When more countries get the phone in stores instead of only through pre-orders.
• How well the folding design, hinge and screen hold up over time with real users.