The primary concern surrounding the latest device from Apple centers on its substantial physical footprint, a factor analysts believe could dampen sales momentum for the tech giant's newest offering. In a research note released Thursday, analyst Edison Lee of Jefferies cautioned that while the handset's aesthetic is fresh, its dimensions may not align with consumer needs, significantly increasing the difficulty of one-handed use and touchscreen navigation, with a particularly poor experience expected for users with smaller hands.
Lee further noted that supply chain checks indicate Apple plans to introduce a second-generation foldable with a more conventional form factor next year, likely at a higher price point. This suggests the current release may function as a transitional model, leading many prospective buyers to adopt a wait-and-see approach for the more standard-sized successor.
The new device, named the iPhone Duo, was officially introduced by Apple CEO John Ternus at the company's annual grand launch event at its headquarters. The foldable features a book-style clamshell design, equipped with a 5.4-inch external screen when closed, which expands to a substantial 7.6-inch internal display for immersive experiences in video streaming, gaming, productivity, and multitasking. However, for long-time iPhone users accustomed to single-handed typing, news browsing, and screen swiping, this body size proves less than ergonomic.
The iPhone Duo's starting price is set at $1,999, matching pre-launch market rumors, with the top-tier configuration reaching $3,199. Apple's stock closed slightly lower on Wednesday and saw a modest rebound in early Thursday trading.
Industry observers widely concur that the iPhone Duo's unveiling does not represent a "Steve Jobs moment" for Apple—a revolutionary hardware milestone capable of driving explosive sales and reshaping the competitive landscape. John Stankey, CEO of AT&T, remarked to Yahoo Finance at Goldman Sachs' Communications & Technology Conference that, frankly, when comparing with foldable phones already available in the market, this offering does not present disruptive innovation. He added that Android users exhibit loyalty to their platform that rivals that of iOS users, and while Android's U.S. market share is not top-tier, user stickiness remains exceptionally strong. With several mature foldable models already launched over the past few years, the current market reality suggests foldables remain a niche segment, far from becoming a mass-market mainstream product.