iPhone Duo Launch in China Faces Resale Scams and Supply Constraints

Key summary

On October 23, Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, globally. In Beijing, reseller Alex Wang offered an extra 3,000 yuan (approx. 15,100 THB) to customers who bought the device immediately upon release, citing a shortage expected to last about half a month. While the phone is priced at around $2,000 USD (approx. 67,500 THB), Counterpoint Research notes China remains the largest global market for foldable phones. Apple restricted walk-in sales in mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan to online pre-orders only, limiting purchases to two units per person. In Thailand, Apple Stores at Iconsiam and Central World also required advance reservations, with delivery delayed until late January due to high demand. Competitors like Huawei (Mate XT2) and Xiaomi (18 Fold) launched foldables around the same time. IDC forecasts Apple will hold 44% of the foldable market value in 2026.