Brief
Apple launches foldable iPhone Duo in South Africa with premium pricing
The iPhone Duo is sold through iStore and other retailers, with prices up to 27% higher than US rates after conversion and VAT.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Apple began selling its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday in South Africa, according to TechCentral. The launch follows the appointment of new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on 1 September.
What happened
Pre‑orders opened on Friday and, within minutes, Apple’s estimated delivery dates slipped from the original launch week to late January as demand outstripped supply. Apple described the response as “nothing short of extraordinary”. The Duo is offered in four storage options: 256 GB for R47 999, 512 GB for R52 999, 1 TB for R62 499 and 2 TB for R76 999. Converting the US price at R16.46 per dollar and adding VAT results in a premium of about 27 % over US pricing, notably higher than the roughly 11 % premium on Apple’s new home devices.
What the reports add
TechCentral noted that the 2 TB model costs R17 000 more than the most expensive iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is priced at R59 999 in South Africa. Early reviews praised the Duo’s sturdy, barely visible hinge but highlighted camera compromises, such as the lack of a telephoto lens, and the need for third‑party apps to be re‑engineered for the larger display.
What was said
John Gruber, longtime Apple commentator, wrote that the phone feels like “an extraordinarily polished prototype – not a finished product that I’d want to buy and carry”. Tech commentator Marques Brownlee said in a YouTube review that the Duo may be unsuitable for “regular people who don’t do much more than texting, social media and browsing”, but could be appealing to those willing to spend $2 000 and adapt to the learning curve.
How it came about
The Duo’s launch is part of Apple’s effort to enter the niche foldable market dominated by Samsung and Huawei. Market researcher IDC’s vice‑president Francisco Jeronimo said foldables have remained limited in adoption, and Apple’s entry could broaden the format’s audience. IDC expects Apple to capture 44 % of the foldable market by value in 2026.
Key facts
- Apple began selling the iPhone Duo in South Africa on 23 Oct 2026. (techcentral.co.za)
- The 256 GB model costs R47 999; the 2 TB model costs R76 999. (techcentral.co.za)
- Delivery dates were pushed to late January due to high demand. (techcentral.co.za)
- The South African price represents a 27 % premium over US pricing after conversion and VAT. (techcentral.co.za)
- Reviewers praised the hinge but noted the lack of a telephoto lens and app compatibility issues. (techcentral.co.za)
Sources
- [1] techcentral.co.za — originally reported as “Apple's foldable iPhone Duo goes on sale in South Africa”
