Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo Aims for Modest Sales Success

Apple's highly anticipated foldable device, the iPhone Duo, is expected to sell around 6 million units in 2023, according to Counterpoint Research. The figure is relatively modest compared to Apple's usual smartphone sales, and it's contingent on how well the company ramps up production of the new hardware.

The iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, will be released in October this year and carries hopes of stoking greater interest and sales of foldables. Without Apple's entry into the market, the segment would have seen a decline, according to IDC estimates.

Apple has had a strong start to its new iPhone 18 Pro family in China, with sales up 12% compared to the initial sales of the iPhone 17 Pro. This performance bucked a broad downtrend in the Chinese smartphone market, where prices have risen by over $200 on many flagship models.

Counterpoint senior analyst Ivan Lam said that Apple's elevated component costs are forcing all phone makers to raise prices and try to make up the shortfall of unit sales in higher revenue per unit. This works in Apple's favor by narrowing the cost advantage of its rivals.