Precisely a month from now, on October 23, the iPhone Duo—Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone—will find its way to those who preordered it (the preorders start on October 16, mind you).
This is the most unusual and expensive iPhone ever, starting at two grand (technically, the price is $1,999) and it was the big star of the September 9 event, when the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 18 Pro were also unveiled.
At its "Surprise and Rise" event (where new CEO John Ternus took the baton from Tim Cook), Apple bragged about it extensively. But there's something that Apple hasn't shared yet and deliberately keeps us in the dark.
Repair costs
Good-looking things are harder on the wallet. | Image by Apple
When it comes to Apple's service options, there's a big difference based on whether you have AppleCare or not.
For example, a battery change on the iPhone 18 Pro Max costs $129, but the same service is done for free if you've got the AppleCare coverage plan (that's Cupertino's official service, technical support and extended warranty program). Likewise, "other damage" costs $899 for the 18 Pro Max without AppleCare, but with it, you pay $149 for "theft of loss".
When it comes to the new iPhone Duo, things are a bit complicated. There's some information about the iPhone Duo for users who've chosen to pay for AppleCare, but there's nothing about Apple servicing the iPhone Duo outside the AppleCare coverage.
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Why are you paying for AppleCare?
7 Votes
It's an expensive gadget, so…
A minute ago, I told you that the iPhone Duo costs two grand—and there's a reason for me to point that out. I think many will want to have AppleCare for this phone in particular.
Apple's services for this one aren't as shocking as one might think:
A pleasant surprise. | Image by Apple
Inner display damage at only a hundred bucks? Jolly good news! "Theft or loss" for only $149? My, my! Having an active AppleCare coverage is how one can use the iPhone Duo without a case and not get severe panic attacks throughout the day, as Redditors already comment.
What if I don't pay for AppleCare?
Well, in that case, I hope your distant aunt is a millionaire and you'll be her heir. Joking aside, the thing is that Apple hasn't made the repair services costs official just yet for the iPhone Duo. I'm sure that replacing the inner screen and/or the hinge on the iPhone Duo will cost an arm and a leg without AppleCare.
Apple will likely disclose the costs in the following weeks and we'll keep you updated, but… I'd personally stick with AppleCare.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold service costs
You might've noticed that there's an Android foldable that's very similar to the iPhone Duo in terms of sheer design. No, not the Galaxy Z Fold 8; I'm referring to the new Xiaomi 18 Fold.
The spare parts and repairing this one won't exactly be easy on the wallet. The phone starts at 10,999 yuan (~$1,639), while replacing its inner display costs 3,600 yuan (~$536) and the outer screen 750 yuan (~$112).
The motherboard is even more painful: replacing it on the 16 GB RAM (LPDDR6), 1 TB storage version costs 5,930 yuan (~$885). Owners of the Ceramic Special Edition will also pay more for a replacement back panel (~$156), compared with ~$37 for the standard model.
Sebastian is one of PhoneArena’s senior opinionators. A veteran news writer with almost 20 years of experience in media and technology, he not only covers all the hot news about Galaxies and iPhones, but often provides hot takes on industry trends. He’s fascinated with camera-focused flagships from the likes of Oppo and Vivo, as well as foldable phones.
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