[비즈한국] Apple unveiled the 'iPhone Duo' on the 9th (local time). The iPhone Duo is a foldable smartphone featuring a 7.6-inch internal display and a titanium body; it is scheduled to be released in South Korea in October following a pre-order period. While the interest is high due to it being the first foldable iPhone, limitations surrounding the product's specifications and domestic sales conditions are also being pointed out.
Starting from 3 Million Won… Price Jumps as Storage Increases
According to Apple Korea, the domestic retail price for the iPhone Duo starts at 3.29 million won. Storage capacities come in four options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The prices are set at 3.59 million won for 512GB, 4.19 million won for 1TB, and 5.09 million won for 2TB.
The price increments grow with each step up in storage. Moving from 256GB to 512GB adds 300,000 won, from 512GB to 1TB adds 600,000 won, and from 1TB to 2TB adds 900,000 won. The price gap between the base model and the highest-spec model reaches 1.8 million won.
When compared to its competitor, the Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Fold 8, the price difference is stark. The domestic launch prices for the Z Fold 8 announced by Samsung Electronics are 2,278,100 won for 256GB, 2,531,100 won for 512GB, and 3,152,600 won for 1TB. Comparing the same storage capacities, the iPhone Duo is more expensive by 1,011,900 won for 256GB, 1,058,900 won for 512GB, and 1,037,400 won for 1TB.
The domestic prices include a 10% value-added tax (VAT). While Apple has not disclosed the internal exchange rate or currency hedging costs applied to the actual pricing, calculating the amount excluding VAT from the 3.29 million won domestic 256GB price and dividing it by the U.S. launch price suggests an exchange rate of approximately 1,496 won per dollar. This is quite high compared to the current won-dollar exchange rate, which is in the 1,300-won range.
iPhone Duo… 53g Heavier than the Z Fold 8
The official weight of the iPhone Duo is 254g. It measures 5.2mm in thickness when unfolded and 11.3mm when folded. Apple used titanium for the product's frame and hinge cover. It is equipped with a 7.6-inch OLED foldable display on the inside and a 5.4-inch OLED display on the outside. The weight of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold 8 is 201g. The weight difference between the two products is 53g.
Since the first Galaxy Fold, Samsung Electronics has reduced the weight through successive generations. The first Galaxy Fold released in 2019 weighed 276g, but the Z Fold 8 has been reduced by 75g to 201g. This reflects the company's efforts to mitigate the structural challenges—where weight typically increases as foldable phone screens get larger and additional hinges and internal parts are included—through lightweight technology.
The iPhone Duo uses titanium, which provides high strength and corrosion resistance. While this material is advantageous for ensuring rigidity even in a thin structure, it did not lead to a reduction in the weight of the final product. Apple previously opted to reduce the weight of some iPhone 17 models by changing materials to aluminum, but the first foldable phone saw the addition of two displays, a hinge, and a large battery.
In the foldable phone market, weight reduction is becoming a key competitive factor. It has been pointed out that since there is a weight gap of more than 50g between two products of similar screen sizes, there may be differences in portability and long-term usability.
Will the Internal Screen Replacement Cost Exceed $1,000?… Official Repair Costs Not Yet Disclosed
Foldable phones have a structure that uses a folding internal display and a hinge together. Because they have more moving parts and screens that fold repeatedly compared to standard bar-type smartphones, the risk of display creases, hinge wear, and damage from impacts is relatively higher. In particular, if the internal display is damaged, surrounding components like the hinge may also need to be inspected or replaced, which can increase the scope and cost of repairs.
According to Counterpoint Research, the yield for the liquid metal hinge during the mass production verification phase for Apple’s foldable phone in May was about 65%. This fell short of their internal target of about 85%. It was also reported that the visibility of screen creases and durability at the time did not meet Apple's internal standards.
Repair costs for foldable products are also high after damage occurs. According to the repair industry, the cost to replace the internal screen of a foldable iPhone is expected to be at least $1,155. This is because Apple uses Samsung Display panels and its own proprietary hinge structure, and it will be difficult for independent repair shops to secure parts and gain repair experience in the early stages of the product's release. However, Apple has not yet announced the official repair costs.
Apple operates 'AppleCare+' for iPhones in Korea as a 2-year warranty product, providing unlimited repair services for accidental damage and battery replacements. AppleCare+ for the iPhone Duo is priced at 549,000 won. This is 190,000 won higher than the 359,000 won for the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max. With the official repair cost yet to be disclosed, and with the price of AppleCare+ alone exceeding 500,000 won, the burden of maintenance and repair costs for consumers after purchasing the iPhone Duo appears to be significant.
In contrast, Samsung Electronics operates 'Samsung Care+' on a monthly subscription basis. The monthly fee for products covered under the Galaxy Z Fold varies depending on the coverage, but is at a maximum level of 19,900 won. When using the highest-priced 'Loss/Damage Premium+' plan, damage compensation is guaranteed up to twice. If battery efficiency is below 80%, users can also get a battery replacement with a deductible of 20,000 won. Samsung allows users to pay premiums on a monthly basis only for the duration needed, whereas Apple requires customers to pay the cost for two years all at once, leading to a greater upfront financial burden.
Meanwhile, amidst continued market interest surrounding Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo is set to begin domestic pre-orders on the 16th of next month, with the official launch scheduled for the 23rd.