iPhone Duo demand surges in China as over 3mn register interest
Apple‘s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has attracted more than 3mn reservations on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, with demand fuelling a resale market where buyers face premiums of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400).
According to Chinese technology publication MyDrivers, more than 2.23mn people had registered interest in the device ahead of pre-orders opening on October 16. The figure subsequently climbed to 3.095mn shortly before sales began, Chinese media reported.
The figures represent reservations or expressions of interest rather than confirmed purchases. Apple has not disclosed official sales figures for China.
Pre-orders opened at 8 p.m. local time on October 16 through Apple’s website, JD.com and other authorised retailers. Several platforms experienced lengthy waiting times before initial stocks sold out.
Resellers charge up to 10,000 yuan extra
The surge in demand has attracted resellers offering customers early access to the foldable smartphone.
MyDrivers identified three main types of services:
- Standard pre-orders: Resellers charge an additional 2,000–5,000 yuan ($299-$747) without guaranteeing delivery on launch day.
- Launch-day delivery: Customers pay premiums of 6,000–10,000 yuan ($897-$1,400) for a device promised on October 23.
- Reservation assistance: Resellers charge 200–1,000 yuan ($30-$150) to help customers secure an official order, sometimes requiring non-refundable deposits.
Chinese resale platform Dewu had recorded 665 advance transactions before official pre-orders opened, with some devices commanding substantial premiums.
After sales began, the resale price of the 1TB Night Sky model approached 29,000 yuan, more than 7,000 yuan above its official price, according to Chinese financial media.
How much does the iPhone Duo cost in China?
Apple offers four storage configurations, with official prices ranging from 15,999 yuan to 26,499 yuan.
| Storage | Price in China |
|---|---|
| 256GB | 15,999 yuan ($2,391) |
| 512GB | 17,999 yuan ($2,690) |
| 1TB | 21,499 yuan ($3,213) |
| 2TB | 26,499 yuan ($3,960) |
The foldable smartphone features a 7.6-inch internal display, a 5.4-inch external screen and Apple’s A20 Pro processor. Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, while the device is available in Star White and Night Sky.
The iPhone Duo officially launches on October 23.
Strong demand extends beyond China. In the United States, online delivery estimates slipped to late January 2027 shortly after pre-orders opened, with Apple attributing the delays to extraordinary consumer interest.
However, reservation numbers and delivery delays alone do not establish how many devices Apple has sold, particularly as limited initial supplies may also be contributing to shortages.
