iPhone 18 Pro Demand Holds Up as iPhone Duo Takes the Spotlight

Apple’s first foldable iPhone Duo has quickly become one of the biggest talking points of the company’s 2026 iPhone lineup. However, new consumer survey data suggests that the attention surrounding the foldable model has not necessarily weakened interest in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Early reports had raised concerns that demand for Apple’s latest Pro models could be softer than the previous-generation iPhone 17 Pro lineup. But the latest survey figures paint a more mixed picture, with a substantial portion of respondents still planning to upgrade to a new iPhone this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Still Attracts Upgrade Interest

According to the survey cited by VietnamNet, more than 38% of respondents said they did not plan to upgrade their iPhone this year. That figure alone does not necessarily indicate weak demand for the iPhone 18 Pro, since many smartphone owners keep their devices for several years rather than upgrading annually.

The same survey found that around 62% of respondents planned to upgrade their phones this year. Among those interested in upgrading, roughly one-third said they were looking at the iPhone 18 Pro.

The survey also indicated that some consumers had already moved forward with their purchase plans, while others intended to buy the Pro model later. These results suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro continues to have a significant audience even as Apple introduces a completely new form factor.

For users planning to keep their iPhone 18 Pro powered throughout the day, check out our guide to the 5 best MagSafe power banks for iPhone 18 Pro.

iPhone Duo Gets Most of the Attention

The iPhone Duo is naturally attracting considerable attention because it represents Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market.

Around 13% of survey respondents reportedly said they were waiting for the iPhone Duo. That is notable because the device introduces a product category that Apple has never previously offered.

The iPhone Duo features a foldable design with a smaller external display and a larger internal screen when opened. Its launch gives Apple another premium smartphone option alongside the conventional Pro and Pro Max models.

However, the foldable phone’s popularity does not automatically mean consumers are abandoning the traditional iPhone design. The iPhone 18 Pro remains aimed at buyers who want Apple’s latest flagship hardware without switching to a foldable form factor.

Apple’s Delayed Standard iPhone 18

Apple has also changed its usual launch strategy this year. Instead of releasing the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models in September, the base version is expected to arrive later.

The survey cited by VietnamNet found that only about 6% of respondents said they were waiting for the standard iPhone 18. That could indicate that most consumers interested in upgrading during the current launch period are focusing on Apple’s premium models or the new foldable device.

The delayed launch therefore creates a different product cycle for Apple, with the Pro models and iPhone Duo receiving most of the initial attention.

iPhone 18 Pro Offers More Than a New Design

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are not simply minor cosmetic updates. Apple has introduced hardware changes including the A20 Pro chip, improvements to the camera system and a variable-aperture main camera.

The Pro models also come with new color choices and battery improvements. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max can deliver up to 45 hours of video playback, depending on the configuration and usage conditions.

Pricing has also increased compared with the previous generation. In Vietnam, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at VND38.999 million, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at VND41.999 million.

Two Different Directions for Apple

The current iPhone lineup shows Apple pursuing two different smartphone directions at the same time.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max continue the company’s established premium smartphone formula, focusing on performance, cameras, battery life and traditional smartphone design. Meanwhile, the iPhone Duo introduces a foldable form factor aimed at users interested in a larger screen that can fit into a more compact device when folded.

For now, the available survey data indicates that interest in the iPhone 18 Pro remains substantial despite the attention surrounding the Duo. Actual sales over the coming months will provide a clearer picture of how consumers ultimately respond to Apple’s unusual 2026 iPhone lineup.