Apple's First Foldable iPhone 'Duo' Draws Strong Interest in China Despite High Price

Apple's first foldable iPhone, referred to as the "Duo," attracted strong initial interest in China despite its high price. The coverage examines launch-day demand, resale activity outside a Beijing store, official pricing and delivery delays, and early expectations around Apple Intelligence in China.

■ Launch-day resale activity
- Scalpers outside a Beijing store offered customers about $450 to buy their newly purchased phones.
- One trader cited a client willing to pay $1,500 above the official price.

■ Pricing and availability
- Official prices were reported in the $2,400–$4,000 range.
- Black-market markups reached roughly $600.
- Customers without reservations tried to obtain a phone as delivery was pushed to January due to scarcity.

■ Apple Intelligence in China
- Apple says Apple Intelligence entered pilot testing in China after Beijing approved Alibaba AI models for use in the "Duo" and other Apple devices.
- Few of those interviewed by CNBC expressed expectations about Apple Intelligence.

It is suited to viewers following Apple product launches, foldable-device demand in China, resale pricing, and Apple Intelligence rollout. Viewers can gain a concise overview of launch-day market conditions and the China-specific AI approval context.