Seoul: Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, is generating strong interest in South Korea, but its premium price is also becoming a major talking point among consumers. The device starts at 3.29 million won (about $2,370) in Korea, significantly above Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold8.
The Korean price of the iPhone Duo is about $371 higher than its U.S. price, while the base Galaxy Z Fold8 is around 1.01 million won cheaper than Apple’s foldable. The price difference has led Korean consumers to closely compare the two devices, particularly because Samsung has a strong presence in its home market.
Apple’s new foldable features a large internal display and a slim, premium design aimed at bringing the company into the rapidly developing foldable smartphone category. The device is also expected to compete through Apple’s software ecosystem and hardware integration.
The price difference is not unique to South Korea. Apple’s local pricing varies significantly between countries because of factors including taxes, duties, regulatory costs and currency movements. South Korea’s pricing is still considerably below Turkey, where the same model is reportedly priced at around 229,999 lira, or approximately $4,725.
The reaction in Korea has also been reflected in the local foldable market. Korean telecommunications industry data reported that Galaxy Z Fold8 sales increased by about 10 percent in the week following Apple’s foldable iPhone announcement, compared with the previous week. Some local reports interpreted the increase as evidence that consumers who had been waiting to see Apple’s offering subsequently turned toward Samsung.
Another point of comparison is weight. Samsung has promoted the Galaxy Z Fold8 as the world’s lightest foldable smartphone at 201 grams, while Apple’s device is heavier. Consumers have also raised questions about durability, repair costs and the additional expense of AppleCare and higher storage configurations.
Apple’s entry could nevertheless have a broader impact on the foldable market. Foldable smartphones currently represent only a small portion of global smartphone shipments, according to industry research. Apple’s participation could increase consumer awareness and competition in the category.
The iPhone Duo is scheduled to enter additional international markets following its initial launch, giving consumers more opportunities to compare Apple’s foldable approach with Samsung’s established Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
