Apple Enters Foldable‑Phone Market
Apple entered the foldable‑phone market on 10 September with the iPhone Duo, unveiled at its iPhone event. The device folds like a book, offering a 7.6‑inch inner display that is about 80% larger than the latest iPhone Pro. Apple claims it is the thinnest iPhone when fully opened. Priced at $1,999 globally and VND 64.999 million for the Vietnamese market, the Duo is slated to hit Vietnamese shelves on 23 October.
Market Context and Competitors
Foldable smartphones remain a niche, accounting for roughly 5% of total smartphone sales according to FDM CCS data. Competitors such as Samsung, Motorola and Google have been developing foldables for years, but Apple chose to wait until the segment showed signs of maturation. Analysts like Ben Wood of FDM CCS note that Apple typically joins a category after it reaches a certain development stage, leveraging its brand and ecosystem to broaden appeal. Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight added that Apple’s strength lies in integrating hardware, software and services at a scale few rivals can match, potentially reshaping consumer perception of foldables.
Design Criticism and Ergonomic Concerns
The Duo’s design, however, has drawn criticism for favoring right‑handed users. Sensors, the unlock mechanism and primary controls sit on the right edge, prompting left‑handed users—who represent about 10‑12% of the world’s population—to voice frustration on platforms like Reddit and X. Some recall Steve Jobs’ 2010 warning that left‑handed handling could affect antenna performance on the iPhone 4. The debate highlights a broader challenge for Apple: balancing innovative form factors with inclusive ergonomics as it seeks to expand the foldable market.