Apple just unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo — and while the US price is already eye-watering, some countries are paying dramatically more for the exact same device. Here's how the price actually breaks down around the world.
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What Is the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone, unveiled on September 9, 2026, at the company's "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino — and the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook earlier this month.
It features a 7.6-inch foldable inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield protection, and IP68 water resistance. Preorders open October 16, 2026, with the device shipping October 23.
iPhone Duo Price Around the World
Apple has published official Store pricing for the base 256GB model in multiple countries. Here's how it compares:
- United States: $1,999
- United Kingdom: £1,999
- Canada: C$2,999
- Australia: A$3,499
- Germany: €2,299
- France: €2,339
- Japan: ¥364,800
- India: ₹2,99,900
- Singapore: S$3,099
- UAE: AED 8,499
Every market receives the same four storage tiers — 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB — and the same two color options, Star White and Night Sky. In India specifically, the lineup runs from ₹2,99,900 for the base model up to ₹4,49,900 for the top-end 2TB version.
For markets like Pakistan, where Apple does not operate an official Store, prices are typically even higher once import costs and mandatory PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) registration taxes are factored in — a pattern that already pushed standard iPhone 17 models well above their US sticker price after local duties.
Why the Price Varies So Much by Country
The price differences aren't random — they largely track local value-added tax (VAT), import duties, and currency conversion at the time of pricing. Countries with higher VAT rates (common across much of Europe and parts of Asia) naturally see higher sticker prices, even before accounting for exchange rate shifts.
In markets without an official Apple retail presence, like Pakistan, the gap widens further: devices are typically imported through third-party channels, then subject to additional registration taxes before they can be legally used with a local SIM card.
Key Specs You're Paying For
- 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display with a nano-texture, anti-glare finish
- 5.4-inch outer display for everyday use while folded
- Grade 5 titanium frame with Ceramic Shield 2 (front) and Ceramic Shield (back)
- IP68 dust and water resistance — a first for a foldable at this level
- Touch ID integrated into the side button, plus Apple Watch unlock support
- eSIM-only design worldwide, with no physical SIM tray
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) support arriving later in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the iPhone Duo so much more expensive outside the US?
Local taxes, import duties, and currency conversion all play a role. Countries with higher VAT rates or import tariffs on electronics will always show a higher sticker price than the US base rate of $1,999.
Does the iPhone Duo support a physical SIM card?
No. The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only in every market worldwide, following the same approach Apple has used for recent US iPhone models.
Is the iPhone Duo available in Pakistan?
Apple does not currently operate official retail stores in Pakistan. Devices are typically brought in through authorized resellers or personal import, with PTA registration required for local SIM use, which adds to the final cost.
What's the cheapest way to buy an iPhone Duo?
Buying directly from Apple's Store in a country with lower VAT, such as the US or UK, and importing it yourself is often cheaper than buying locally in markets with high import duties — though this comes with its own registration and warranty considerations.