Abstract:
According to CNBC, Apple’s first foldable screen mobile phone seems to have not received that enthusiastic response from Chinese consumers. They are more concerned about whether the price of iPhone Duo is cost-effective compared with existing domestic competing products. After Apple released the iPhone Duo on Wednesday, a WeChat user said: "I won't buy it this year. I will wait until next year to buy the second generation." The starting price of the phone in China is 15,999 yuan.
Apple CEO Ternus holds iPhone Duo
"American consumers with a monthly income of US$3,000 to US$4,000 can buy it for US$1,999. Our monthly income is 3,000 to 4,000 yuan, but we have to spend 10,000 yuan to buy it." A netizen commented under a WeChat video.
Only attract wealthy consumers?
Reuters also published an article stating that the iPhone Duo has impressive functions, but the price is also very high. Some observers in the packed room at the event in Cupertino, California, couldn't help but wonder who the phone might appeal to besides wealthy tech enthusiasts.
"Apple usually does not clearly define its target consumers, but this is especially true with this product. They have clearly avoided the issue." said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at research firm Creative Strategies.
Analysts said that Apple’s brand appeal is enough to ensure strong sales of the iPhone Duo in the early stages of its launch. But they warn that the device's high price and Apple's lack of a clear target consumer could limit it to a niche market of wealthy early adopters once the initial enthusiasm subsides. This has been a problem that has plagued the category since the introduction of foldable phones.
iPhone Duo
Data from research firm IDC show that foldable screen phones are expected to account for less than 3% of the global smartphone market in 2026. Even if Apple enters the game, IDC does not believe that this ratio will change much in 2027.
"The positioning is indeed a bit vague. From our perspective, it is not clear whether it is for work or entertainment, but I think the iPhone has always been positioned as a multi-purpose device." Neil Shah, vice president of research firm Counterpoint Research, said.
Competition in the Chinese market is fierce
Apple’s stock price rose more than 3% after the press conference.
However, Apple faces a key test in Greater China, its third largest market. The region contributes about 17% of Apple's total revenue and is also one of the most competitive folding screen mobile phone markets in the world.
Currently, Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, OPPO and vivo have launched a variety of products including book-style folding, clamshell-style vertical folding and three-folding designs. This means that when iPhone Duo enters the Chinese market, it faces a more mature category compared to many other overseas markets.
Just before the Apple conference, Xiaomi and Huawei released new flagship folding screen mobile phones Xiaomi 18 Fold and Mate XT2 with a three-fold design on Monday, priced at 10,999 yuan and 19,999 yuan respectively.
A WeChat netizen commented: "Apple Duo is cheaper than Huawei. Do you buy it?"
Xiaomi 18 Fold
According to Counterpoint data, Huawei led the Chinese smartphone market in both the first and second quarters of this year. Apple ranks second, followed by vivo and OPPO.
Counterpoint said that in the second quarter of this year, calculated in terms of smartphone shipments, Samsung regained the number one position in the global market with a slight advantage, Apple ranked second, and Xiaomi ranked third. Earlier this year, Samsung launched a new foldable phone. Research shows that Samsung is expected to lead Apple this year and become the manufacturer with the highest market share of foldable screen mobile phones. Samsung is expected to have a market share of 32%, with Apple and Huawei at 25% and 24% respectively.
In addition to the price, users on Chinese social media also expressed concern that the Duo does not have a physical SIM card slot, which may mean that mainland Chinese users need to go to the operator's business office for identity verification before they can activate an eSIM.
Xiaomi 18 Fold goes on sale on Thursday, and Huawei Mate XT2 will be available a few days later. Apple iPhone Duo plans to open pre-orders on October 16th and officially go on sale on October 23rd.
Comments