Apple launches $2,000 foldable iPhone Duo with strong demand in San Francisco

Apple released its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, worldwide including at its San Francisco store, with a price around $2,000, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

Unlike previous iPhone launches, the debut had less fanfare and fewer long lines or overnight campouts, although demand remained strong in San Francisco and other cities.

Apple limited sales to two units per customer and prioritized walk-in shoppers locally, while some countries restricted sales to online pre-orders only.

The company noted that pre-order delivery dates slipped to late January shortly after orders opened, reflecting demand exceeding supply.

This launch is an early test for Apple's new CEO John Ternus, who took charge in September and unveiled the phone shortly after.

Competitors like Samsung and Huawei have offered foldable phones for years, and Apple aims to reshape the foldable market as it did with smartphones.