New Delhi. A recent TechArc study highlights a stark price gap for Apple’s latest foldable, the iPhone Duo. By examining 14 markets, the analysis finds the device is markedly pricier in emerging economies such as India, Turkey and the Philippines compared with affluent regions like the United States.

The research juxtaposes eight lower‑ and middle‑income nations—India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam and Turkey—with six high‑income markets, including the US, UAE, Hong Kong, Canada, the UK and Germany.

Findings reveal that the average retail price of the iPhone Duo in the former group hovers around $3,669, while consumers in the latter group pay roughly $2,248 on average.

Countries Paying the Most

Turkey tops the price list, where the iPhone Duo retails for about $4,741. The Philippines follows closely, with an average price of $4,519. Analysts attribute these inflated figures to a weak local currency and heavy taxes on imported premium electronics.

India and Its Neighbors

In South and Southeast Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam—the handset’s price ranges between $2,950 and $3,590. By contrast, the United States offers the device at a base price of $1,999, the lowest among the surveyed markets.

Why the Disparity?

TechArc points to several contributors: import duties, a suite of taxes, volatile exchange rates and Apple’s own margin strategies. In India, the iPhone Duo arrives fully assembled, subjecting it to customs levies and an 18 % GST on smartphones.

Manufacturers often embed additional buffers to protect against rupee‑dollar swings, which can push the final sticker price higher.

Strategic Premium Positioning

The report also suggests that Apple may be deliberately positioning the iPhone Duo as a high‑end offering in developing markets, targeting affluent buyers willing to pay a premium for a foldable flagship.