Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, debuts in Hong Kong on October 23 with prices starting at HK$17,499. While reviewers praise the near-invisible screen crease and fluid hinge, the device faces criticism for its weight, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, and a reliance on side-mounted Touch ID.
iPhone Duo launches in Hong Kong on October 23
The iPhone Duo will be available for purchase in Hong Kong starting October 23, with the company offering four storage configurations. The 256GB model is priced at HK$17,499, while the 512GB version costs HK$19,499. For those requiring more space, the 1TB model is listed at HK$21,499, and the 2TB top-tier variant reaches HK$27,999.
Prospective buyers face a significant wait, as initial supply is constrained. While some international users previously reported early delivery estimates, those were confirmed to be system errors. As of October 20, the official Apple Store in Hong Kong indicated that delivery dates for all models are scheduled for January 23, 2027.
Foldable display hides crease but adds weight
The device features a foldable inner display that has drawn positive attention for its engineering. Reviewers, including those from Unwire, noted that the crease is almost imperceptible under normal lighting conditions. This is attributed to the use of a nano-texture surface layer and a complex hinge mechanism containing over 100 parts.
However, the hardware choices have drawn mixed reactions. The phone weighs 254 grams, making it the heaviest iPhone to date. Some users have found that while the weight is balanced when the device is unfolded, it can lead to wrist fatigue during extended single-handed use when closed. Additionally, the original Apple protective cases have faced scrutiny for their reliance on adhesive backing for installation and the fact that they leave the titanium hinge mechanism exposed to potential damage.
Apps struggle with foldable aspect ratio
The transition to a foldable form factor has introduced challenges for software optimization. Many popular applications currently display large black bars on the sides of the screen, as they have not yet been fully adapted to the Duo’s unique aspect ratio. While some developers have begun to utilize the half-fold state—where the device sits on a table to act as a mini-laptop for tasks like video playback or gaming—others still function like standard phone apps scaled up to a larger window.
Security features have also become a point of contention. Apple has opted for a side-mounted Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button rather than Face ID. Apple has clarified that this pause is intentional, allowing users to view notifications on the lock screen before fully accessing the device.
Comparison with Existing Foldable Technology
The entry of the iPhone Duo into the market has sparked debate regarding its technological origins. While Apple is marketing the device as a new engineering frontier, some industry observers point out that Samsung has been refining foldable technology since 2019. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains a major competitor, and according to market estimates from TrendForce, Samsung is projected to maintain a lead in foldable phone shipments for 2026 with a 35.1% market share, compared to the iPhone Duo’s forecasted 24.8% share.
A20 Pro chip powers device without telephoto lens
The device relies on two custom metal-cased batteries to manage space, and it is powered by the A20 Pro chip. Despite these internal innovations, the camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, leaving users with only wide and ultra-wide options. The internal selfie camera is placed under the display, which some reviewers have criticized.
| Configuration | Hong Kong Price (HKD) |
|---|---|
| 256GB | $17,499 |
| 512GB | $19,499 |
| 1TB | $21,499 |
| 2TB | $27,999 |
As the market reacts to these first-generation trade-offs, the consensus among several tech reviewers is that the iPhone Duo is a niche product. For those who prioritize the large screen experience, the device offers unique utility, but others may find the compromises in camera capability and ergonomic comfort—compared to the traditional Pro series—difficult to justify at this price point.