Resale premiums for Apple’s first foldable iPhone have narrowed in China, with some base-model listings only 300 yuan above retail as early users raised durability and software concerns, the South China Morning Post reported.
In Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei electronics market, vendor Shen quoted 24,300 yuan Monday for a black iPhone Duo with 1 terabyte of storage, 2,800 yuan below his launch-day asking price. Shen’s asking price had exceeded 25,000 yuan when the phone went on sale Friday, Oct. 23. He said the lower price drew more inquiries, though inventory remained scarce.
On Idle Fish, also known as Xianyu, numerous Monday listings were 1,000 to 2,000 yuan below weekend levels, the South China Morning Post reported. Some base models were listed for just 300 yuan above Apple’s retail price. Lower listings may reduce the premium facing resale buyers and, if sales close at those prices, cut resellers’ markups. The report described asking prices and listings, not completed transactions.
The price changes followed strong preorder demand. Preorders sold out across Apple’s official channels within minutes of opening Oct. 16, and delivery estimates stretched into early next year, according to the South China Morning Post. The outlet also reported that users raised concerns over hinge durability and screen fractures on social media over the weekend. Some users cited app compatibility issues while many platforms were still adapting their interfaces for the wider inner display. The complaints echo earlier reports of screen damage near the hinge.
Counterpoint Research senior analyst Ivan Lam said initial demand in China and globally matched expectations. He said the iPhone Duo’s high price and the foldable category’s niche status could slow China sales after the first one or two months.
IDC's estimate last week put Apple's iPhone Duo shipments at 10 million during the first 12 months and its share of the worldwide foldable-phone market at 31% this year. The research firm identified production bottlenecks as Apple’s near-term challenge, saying inadequate supply or long delivery waits could dampen interest generated at launch.
