Information has emerged that the future iPhone Air 2 will feature an additional camera and have a thin body

Apple's first foldable phone, named iPhone Duo, arrived in stores this Friday (the 23rd), facing very high demand and limited stock. This launch also marks the beginning of John Ternus's leadership at the company and could potentially expand the reach of foldable phones, a segment actively being explored by manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei.

Initial reviews highly praise the device's design and discreet hinge, but note shortcomings in camera performance and application adaptation difficulties. The high cost is also a factor that may limit consumer interest in the gadget.

Demand for the iPhone Duo was extremely intense from the moment pre-orders opened. In just a few minutes, supply forecasts in the United States were pushed back to late January. Apple characterized the buyers' reaction as 'something extraordinary.'

To manage the limited supply, the company restricted orders to two devices per customer. In China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan, sales were only available to those who ordered online. In Sydney, Australia, customers queued up before the store opened.

Interest was also shown in China, where Liu Wei, a 26-year-old healthcare specialist, waited to purchase the Duo despite already owning a Xiaomi foldable phone. He told Reuters: 'I have been using Apple products for many years and trust the brand more, so I bought it on launch day to try it out.'

In Hong Kong, a buyer identified only as May purchased the 256GB version for an amount equivalent to approximately 11,200 Brazilian reais (HK$ 17,499). They planned to resell the device for a profit of about 2,600 Brazilian reais (approximately HK$ 4,000).

The durable and inconspicuous hinge is among the most praised aspects of early analyses. The device also reduces the visible crease mark on the screen—a feature that has historically been a hurdle for such phones.

Nevertheless, reviews point to challenges that might influence purchasing decisions. John Gruber, author of Daring Fireball and an Apple expert, spent a week with the device but noted that the experience reminded him of a highly advanced prototype rather than a product he would want to use daily.

MKBHD, known as Marques Brownlee, also offered his comments. He does not recommend the Duo to those who primarily use their phone for messaging, social media, and web browsing. However, for those who value the concept and are not overly concerned about the price, the experience might be engaging.

Despite the criticism, Apple's release could attract new users to a category that Samsung and Huawei have been exploring for many years. Nevertheless, the adoption of foldable devices remains limited compared to traditional smartphones.

Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of the consulting firm IDC, believes that Apple's entry could bring this format to a much wider audience. The consulting firm predicts that by 2026, the company will account for 44% of the market volume by value and 31% by units sold. For 2027, the forecast suggests leadership in both value and volume.

Availability will play a crucial role in this process. Apple informed Reuters that stock for in-store purchases varies by country and is limited in many markets, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe. Initial demand is strong, but the ability to meet orders will be the deciding factor in turning the launch into sustained growth.

The iPhone 16 with 512 GB capacity is being sold for R$ 5,499 on Amazon, offering the option of installment payments of up to 12 times without interest. This Apple device received a significant discount of 46% from its original price of R$ 10,099.

This promotion represents an opportunity to acquire a smartphone with large storage capacity, ideal for saving videos, applications, and games, and also allows for payment in accessible installments.

Launched in 2024, the iPhone 16 maintains its position among Apple's best devices. Its camera system consists of a 48 MP wide lens with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view, and a 12 MP front camera, all capable of recording in 4K resolution.

The device's performance is powered by the Apple A18 chip and its 8 GB of RAM, allowing for the smooth execution of complex applications, games, and Apple Intelligence suite features directly on the device. The 512 GB of internal memory guarantees ample space for photos and videos.

The 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen boasts a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, displaying realistic colors and maintaining good visibility in any lighting condition. Furthermore, the display is protected by Ceramic Shield glass against impacts and scratches.

The iPhone 16 chassis is built from aluminum and has an IP68 rating, providing resistance against dust and accidental submersion, increasing its durability. The internal battery of 3,561 mAh supports up to 22 hours of video playback, as specified by the manufacturer.

To optimize daily use, the phone supports 25W fast charging via USB-C and is compatible with MagSafe. The 512 GB model, currently priced at R$ 5,499, already comes updated to iOS 27 and is expected to receive at least four more operating system updates. Other specifications include 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC.