Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, went on sale in India on 23 October, a week after pre-orders opened on 16 October. Prices start at ₹2,99,900 for 256GB and rise to ₹3,24,900 for 512GB, ₹3,74,900 for 1TB and ₹4,49,900 for 2TB. It comes in two colours, Star White and Night Sky, and is sold through Apple’s online store, its six Indian retail stores and large electronics chains.

The phone opens like a book. Inside is a 7.6-inch display, while a 5.4-inch outer screen handles quick tasks when it is folded. Apple says both screens support ProMotion and an always-on mode, the body is titanium, and the phone is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. It runs on the new A20 Pro chip and has two 48MP rear cameras.

Why it matters

This is the most expensive mainstream phone Apple has sold in India, and it arrives in a market where foldables are still a niche. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched here at around ₹1.8 lakh, so the Duo sits well above it. For most readers, the more useful signal is what Apple’s entry means for the wider market: when the biggest brands commit to a design, competition tends to bring sturdier hinges, better screens and, over time, lower prices across the category.

Supply is tight. Business Standard reports that the phone is hard to make because of its hinge and new display technology, and that it is built in a limited number of factories in China. Reports in India suggest about 6,000 units arrived for the first week, a figure Apple has not confirmed. Online orders are limited to two per customer, and some delivery estimates stretch into January 2027.

What you can do

  • Buy only from Apple or its authorised retailers. Grey market sellers are reportedly asking ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 above the official price, and such purchases can complicate warranty and service.
  • Check pickup slots on Apple’s website before you travel to a store, since walk-in stock may be limited or unavailable.
  • Read trade-in and card offers closely. Reports mention trade-in credit of up to ₹81,500 on eligible iPhones and instant cashback on select bank cards, but the final value depends on your device and card.
  • If you are curious but not in a hurry, waiting a few months lets real-world reviews on hinge durability and screen crease come in, and stock should ease.

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