Apple’s iPhone Duo tempts 44% of Android foldable fans

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International Department Journalist
The findings are based on a voluntary poll
Apple's iPhone Duo tempts 44% of Android foldable fans
Photo: Tom’s Guide

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, could persuade a significant share of Android enthusiasts to switch platforms, according to a new Android Authority reader poll published on October 9.

Among respondents interested in foldable phones, 43.7% said they were either ready to switch to Apple’s $1,999 device or considering doing so. However, the majority still preferred Android alternatives.

The poll accompanied an opinion article by Android Authority journalist Dhruv Bhutani, who explained why the iPhone Duo had made him reconsider his loyalty to Android after 15 years.

Read more: MKBHD reviews Xiaomi 18 Fold: a lighter, better iPhone Duo?

Across all respondents, including those uninterested in foldable devices, the results showed a more cautious response to Apple’s latest smartphone.

  • 38.9% said they had no interest in foldable phones.
  • 34.4% preferred to keep their Android foldables.
  • 16.1% were ready to switch to the iPhone Duo.
  • 10.6% were tempted but wanted better cameras.

Excluding those uninterested in foldables, 26.4% were ready to switch, while another 17.3% were considering the move. The remaining 56.3% preferred Android devices.

The findings are based on a voluntary poll of the publication’s readers rather than a representative consumer survey, so they cannot establish broader smartphone purchasing trends.

Read more: Apple reveals $19 hinge fix for foldable iPhone Duo

What makes iPhone Duo attractive to Android users?

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo in September 2026, entering a market dominated by manufacturers such as Samsung, HONOR, OPPO and vivo.

The smartphone features a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch folding screen powered by Apple’s A20 Pro processor. Its titanium construction, nearly invisible screen crease and software optimisations have attracted attention from reviewers.

Bhutani argued that the iPhone Duo offers a combination of hardware design and software integration that he had struggled to find in Android foldables. However, he acknowledged compromises in the camera system and said he wanted to test the device before spending nearly $2,000.

Read more: Apple struggles with iPhone Duo hinge as defect rate hits 40%

Reader reactions revealed several obstacles to switching ecosystems.

One respondent cited Apple’s restrictions on accessing iPhone messages through a Windows browser as a problem for work. Another preferred Android’s flexibility in installing third-party applications and managing files.

Price was another concern. A Samsung Galaxy Flip owner said the iPhone Duo had caught their attention despite never having owned an Apple smartphone, but its cost could prevent a purchase.

Other readers welcomed Apple’s arrival in the foldable market, arguing that increased competition could encourage Samsung and other Android manufacturers to improve their devices.

Read more: iPhone Duo may grow into Max, Mini and cheaper SE models

The poll suggests that Apple’s first foldable has attracted interest even among readers of an Android-focused publication. Whether that enthusiasm translates into purchases remains uncertain, particularly given its premium price and the reluctance of many users to abandon Android’s software flexibility.

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