In-Depth Analysis of the Apple Foldable iPhone Duo: A “Late Ticket” or the “Ticket to the Next Era”?
Hello everyone, I’m your financial journalist friend. Today, we’re talking about the newly released foldable phone from Apple, the iPhone Duo.
Many Apple fans might think, “Finally!” However, some seasoned tech observers might sneer and say, “Seven years late.”
The core of this article isn’t about whether the foldable screen has deep wrinkles or whether Luo Yonghao’s criticism is justified. Instead, we need to look beyond the surface and ask: Why did Apple choose this timing, this price point, and this design? What’s the underlying strategy behind its attempt to continue making significant profits in the current smartphone market, and what challenges does it face in the era of AI?
Let’s break down this news into five key points to explain in plain language.
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1. The “Late” Foldable Screen: Not a Lack of Innovation, but Waiting for Perfection
First, let’s address the biggest controversy: Is Apple copying or falling behind?
1. Public Pressure from the Time Gap
Since Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold in 2019, Apple has indeed been seven years late. In that time, foldable screens have evolved from a novelty to a mature category, with some companies even going out of business. So when Apple finally unveiled the iPhone Duo, the reaction wasn’t surprise, but rather, “You finally remembered about this.” Luo Yonghao’s repeated accusations of copying reflect the common perception that “you’re late, so you’re just following.”
2. Apple’s Perfectionism
But think about it this way: Why did Apple wait so long? Because it didn’t want to be the first to try something new; it wanted to be the best at it.
- Hardware Innovation: The iPhone Duo uses a five-layer titanium alloy frame and over 100 precision components in its hinge. This shows Apple’s focus on solving the two biggest challenges with foldable screens: durability and wrinkles. Although wrinkles are still present (and even criticized for being concealed by a matte screen), Apple aims to turn foldable screens from fragile items into durable consumer products through advanced hardware.
- Software Innovation: This is where Apple’s real strength lies. Previous foldable phones felt like two phones glued together when unfolded, with messy software integration. The iPhone Duo features “natural zoom” and automatically adjusts the interface based on the folding angle, an experience that’s difficult for Android competitors to replicate quickly.
Conclusion: Apple’s innovation approach is never about being the first; it’s about being perfect. It’s willing to wait seven years to ensure its products are free from major flaws.
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2. Rising Prices: The “Stock Market Game” in the Smartphone Industry and Apple’s Strategy
The most concerning aspect of the launch was the price. The iPhone 18 Pro increased by $100, and the foldable iPhone Duo was priced at $15,999. Why would Apple set such a high price?
1. Declining Smartphone Sales
Global smartphone shipments have dropped from a peak of 1.566 billion in 2017 to 1.248 billion in 2025, and they’re expected to further decline to 1.08 billion this year.
- In the Past: Apple could make big profits by selling a large number of cheaper phones.
- Now: With fewer buyers and lower replacement rates, manufacturers need to charge more per unit. This is known as “high-end strategy.” Data shows that high-end phones costing over $600 accounted for a record share of sales this year.
2. Apple as the Biggest Winner of the Price Hike
Despite the industry-wide price increases, Apple is the biggest beneficiary:
- Market Share vs. Revenue Share: Apple accounts for only about 21% of global shipments but earns 49% of the industry’s revenue. In other words, for every $100 spent on phones, $49 goes to Apple, with Samsung getting 16% and the rest to other manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo.
- Profit Margin Increase: While the overall industry’s margin has dropped to 26%, Apple’s has risen to 40.1%.
3. Rising Costs: Apple Doesn’t Care
Memory prices have risen sharply this year, with Samsung and SK Hynix increasing their prices by 80%-100%. Apple simply passed on these costs to consumers, still making a profit.
Conclusion: Apple’s strategy is clear: It focuses on selling the most expensive products with the highest margins. The high price of the iPhone Duo reflects this approach, as it’s not just about selling a phone but also about selling a “high-end status” and a comprehensive ecosystem.
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3. The Right Time for the Supply Chain
Besides its business strategy, there’s a practical technical reason: Apple wasn’t interested in foldable screens before because they were either unfeasible or uneconomical to produce.
1. Improved Quality of Key Components
The main challenges with foldable screens were the hinge, ultra-thin glass, and flexible screens. Over the past few years, the quality and cost of these components have improved, meeting Apple’s production standards. This means Apple can now produce foldable phones with both quality and cost-effectiveness.
2. Apple’s Control over the Supply Chain
Apple can wait because it has the confidence to select suppliers carefully. It doesn’t need to use substandard materials to catch the market; it waits until the supply chain is ready to ensure the hinge can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without issues.
Conclusion: This release is the result of mature technology, a well-thought-out business strategy, and strong supply chain management. Apple isn’t just catching up with foldable screens; it’s reaping the benefits of their maturity.
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4. The Challenge of AI: Foldable Screens Are the “Old Problem”; AI Is the “New Problem”
If the iPhone Duo is a “late ticket” for the past era, then AI represents the critical issue for the next era.
1. Is Apple Really Behind in AI?
Yes, to some extent. Siri, launched in 2011, still limited to setting alarms. Apple’s promised AI features (such as screen understanding and cross-app operations) are still in beta in iOS 27, while Chinese and American competitors have already implemented more advanced AI.
- Market Gap: In China and Europe, Apple’s AI functions are even incomplete.
2. The New Concept of the “Intelligent Personal Hub
To address this, Ternus introduced the “Intelligent Personal Hub” concept, suggesting that true AI should be within reach, understanding the user’s screen, voice, and context while protecting privacy.
- The Role of the iPhone: Apple believes the iPhone meets the requirements (screen, camera, microphone, and computing power). AI won’t replace the iPhone; instead, it will enhance its value.
3. Lack of Details
However, Apple didn’t provide specific technical details, such as how personal models are trained or how third-party apps will integrate. This sounds more like a direction statement than a product roadmap. Users want practical AI assistants, not just promises.
Conclusion: The iPhone Duo addresses the issue of screen size, a problem of the old era. AI solves problems of efficiency and interaction, which are crucial for the new era. If Apple can’t deliver significant AI improvements, its foldable phone will be just a temporary trend.
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5. John Ternus’ Challenge: From a “Business Machine” to an “Innovation Engine”
Finally, let’s talk about John Ternus. As CEO, he faces a different situation from Steve Jobs’ and Tim Cook’s eras.
1. The Legacy of Tim Cook
When Cook took over, Apple had annual revenue of $108 billion and a market value of $350 billion. Now, it earns $416 billion with a market value of $4.6 trillion.
- Efficient Business Machine: Apple has become highly efficient in supply chain management and cost control, but innovation has stagnated.
2. Ternus’ Task: Defining the Next Era
Ternus’s challenge is to define the next generation of devices. Is it the phone, glasses, or something entirely new?
- The iPhone’s Future: Can the iPhone dominate for another decade? Ternus needs to create a truly disruptive product that combines the “Intelligent Personal Hub” concept.
3. Apple’s Current State
- Short-term: Apple is healthy and profitable. The iPhone Duo will sell well due to its quality and brand value.
- Long-term: Apple is anxious about its AI progress, which could determine its place in the next decade. If it can’t lead in AI, its dominance may be challenged.
Advice for Consumers:
- For Apple fans with budget: The iPhone Duo is worth considering. Its quality, software, and ecosystem are still top-notch. Although expensive, it offers convenience and prestige.
- For cost-effectiveness or advanced AI: Android foldable phones may be better, with faster updates and lower prices.
- For trend observers: The smartphone industry is entering a phase of high-end competition and AI transformation. Apple’s foldable phone holds its position in the high end, but whether it can use AI to open new opportunities is key.
Apple isn’t dead; it’s just maturing. However, in the fast-paced world of AI, mere cleverness won’t be enough without innovation.
Thank you for reading!