Apple sets India rollout for Rs 2.99 lakh iPhone Duo foldable

Apple is set to enter India’s foldable smartphone segment with the iPhone Duo, priced at Rs 2,99,900. Pre-orders are slated for October 16 and retail availability for October 23, alongside an expanded premium lineup including iPhone 18 Pro models and Watch Ultra 4.

— Source publishedThu, 10 Sept, 2026, 01:53 IST·First seen Thu, 10 Sept, 2026, 02:02 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

Apple launched iPhone Duo, its Rs 2,99,900 foldable, in India, with pre-orders opening October 16 and retail availability October 23. It also announced iPhone

Key facts

  • iPhone Duo: Rs 2,99,900
  • iPhone Duo outer display: 5.5 inches
  • iPhone Duo unfolded display: 7.8 inches
  • India pre-orders: Oct 16
  • India retail availability: Oct 23
  • iPhone 18 Pro: Rs 1,64,900
  • iPhone 18 Pro Max: Rs 1,79,900
  • iPhone 18 pre-orders: Sept 12
  • iPhone 18 sales: Sept 18
  • Storage: up to 2TB
  • 48MP camera
  • 2-nanometre A20 Pro chip
  • Up to 36 hours video playback for Pro
  • Up to 45 hours video playback for Pro Max eSIM-only
  • Watch Ultra 4: Rs 1,09,900
  • Watch Ultra 4 battery: up to 50 hours

Why this matters

Apple’s move into India’s foldable segment raises the strategic value of partnerships in premium retail, consumer finance, trade-in and high-end device servicing.

What to watch

  • Confirmation of the October 16 pre-order and October 23 availability dates.
  • India launch allocation, delivery lead times and whether stock sells through initial batches.
  • EMI, trade-in and bank-cashback terms versus Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and other foldable offers.
  • Display-crease, hinge-durability and repair-cost reviews during the first 30 days.
  • Competitor price cuts, new foldable launches or increased retail incentives following Apple’s announcement.
  • Accessory and AppleCare+ attachment rates among early buyers.
  • Expand Apple Store and premium reseller foldable demo capacity in Mumbai, Delhi and other high-income metros.
  • Bundle zero-cost or low-cost EMI, enhanced trade-in values and AppleCare+ to reduce the upfront-price barrier.
  • Prioritize carrier, bank and luxury retail partnerships for launch-day acquisition and installment offers.
  • Use the device as a halo product to upsell iPhone 18 Pro, Watch Ultra 4 and ecosystem accessories.
  • Prepare retail staff and service networks for foldable-specific setup, repair, warranty and durability questions.