Apple's iPhone Duo Preorders Begin as Carriers Beat Apple Store on Price and Timing

Apple opened preorders on October 16 for the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable phone, a passport-style device starting at $1,999 and topping out at $3,199 with 2TB of storage. According to Mashable, the Apple Store's initial batch of preorders sold out instantly, leaving the device backordered there until January. Buyers looking for earlier delivery are turning to major carriers, which were advertising November or December shipping at the time of reporting.

The steepest discounts are available through carrier trade-in programs. As reported by Mashable's shopping desk, AT&T customers can bring the price down to $799 by trading in an iPhone 14 Pro Max or newer and activating an Elite 2.0 or Premium 2.0 plan, saving up to $1,200 via monthly bill credits. T-Mobile and Xfinity Mobile each offer the device for $999 with an eligible trade-in and a qualifying plan, saving up to $1,000. Verizon, by contrast, is holding the list price at $1,999 with no activation fees for new and loyalty customers.

Apple's own trade-in program offers up to $885 in instant credit toward the Duo, accepting devices back to the iPhone 13. That credit can be applied toward carrier plans, Apple Upgrade monthly payments, or Apple Card Monthly Installments. The pricing puts the Duo $100 above the standard iPhone 17 when purchased through AT&T's best offer, while remaining under the $2,099 price of the iPhone Air at full retail.