Apple has launched its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, with a price tag of $1,999, raising questions about the demand for premium smartphones in Saudi Arabia as the overall market contracts. Despite a challenging market environment, Apple has seen a 3% increase in shipments to the Kingdom in the second quarter of 2026, according to technology research group Omdia, while the overall smartphone market has contracted by 18%.
Consumer Reactions to the iPhone Duo
Tech blogger Mohammad Owheeb noted that the conversation surrounding the Duo often revolves around its hefty price. “It looks amazing, but would I actually pay that much for it?” he questioned. He acknowledged that Gulf consumers typically have a strong appetite for flagship Apple products, but the price is causing even enthusiasts to reconsider their options.
Ahmed Al-Hamad, owner of a mobile phone sales and repair shop in Riyadh, expressed similar sentiments, stating that while he is contemplating purchasing a Duo, the price is a significant factor. “The price is not justified compared to Samsung’s Flip and Fold devices,” he remarked, highlighting the differences in specifications and pricing.
Photographer Nouf Al-Buraik praised the Duo’s innovative features but raised concerns about its size, likening it to a tablet. “I feel as though the size of the device is inconvenient,” she said.
Market Dynamics and Future Implications
Omdia’s Manish Pravinkumar emphasized that while there is no broad retreat from premium smartphones in Saudi Arabia, the Duo’s price will test the limits of consumer resilience at the high end of the market. He noted that the device targets a narrower audience compared to conventional premium flagships, with initial demand likely coming from affluent early adopters.
Average selling prices in the Middle East reached a record $450 in early 2026, and Apple’s quarterly numbers showed a 22% year-on-year increase in iPhone net sales, amounting to $54.3 billion. Pravinkumar pointed out that Saudi Arabia has a strong capacity to absorb higher flagship prices, supported by consumer purchasing power and financing options. However, he cautioned that there is a limit to how high prices can go before consumers opt for lower-priced alternatives.
Apple’s Strategic Positioning
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is expected to capture a 25% global share of foldable smartphone shipments by 2026, with forecasts of up to 6 million units. Neil Shah, co-founder of the firm, noted that the Middle East is a key market for Apple, with many loyal customers eager for a foldable device after years of waiting.
Shah also warned that supply constraints could impact sales, emphasizing that how Apple allocates supply to different regions will be crucial. “More than price, it will remain to be seen how Apple allocates supply to these regions,” he stated.
Ultimately, the Duo may serve more as a means for Apple to encourage existing customers to invest in a new form factor rather than attracting new users. While some trade-down may occur with the iPhone 18 Pro’s lower entry point, the Duo is likely to create a new ultra-premium tier rather than replace the Pro as Apple’s main volume driver.
Readers can also explore current and upcoming editions through the FAME Delivered magazine section.
