iPhone Duo is already discounted in parts of China amid software and display issues

As an Amazon Associate, Gizmochina earns from qualifying purchases. Links on this page may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, went from launch-day hype and markups to actual discounts surprisingly fast in some Chinese channels. User reports and platform listings show the phone is now available below its official starting price in certain regions, mainly through big e-commerce subsidy programs.

According to feedback across platforms, the iPhone Duo has dropped under its initial retail price in parts of China. Pinduoduo has added it to its “10 Billion YuanSubsidy” channel (only available in select regions), knocking roughly 200–300 yuan (roughly $30-$45) off the launch price. On launch day the phone was going for 1,500–2,000 yuan (roughly $220-$300) above retail in secondary markets. Just two days later, some listings are already undercutting the official price.

That said, many Apple Stores across the country still have no walk-in stock. And if you try to order from Apple’s official website with delivery, some configurations are still showing wait times stretching into January next year.

The base 256GB model launched at 15,999 yuan in China (roughly $2400), with higher storage options priced up from there. The quick shift from scarcity premiums to modest discounts shows the gap between limited official supply and more flexible availability through e-commerce and authorized retailers in certain areas.

Longer-term demand still looks strong according to analysts. IDC previously estimated Apple’s first foldable could ship more than 10 million units in its debut year and potentially take around 40% of the global foldable market by 2027. Goldman Sachs is similarly upbeat, projecting 13 million units in 2026 and as many as 33 million in 2027.

While official channels remain tight, the early appearance of below-list pricing in eligible regions gives some buyers a slightly easier way in. Exact discounts and availability still vary by location and platform, and the supply situation is still settling as Apple works through the backlog.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Via)