I don’t think a $2k phone is anywhere near mass market, esp given the likely downturn ahead.

Based on what? At that price tag, I doubt it will be mass market, but perhaps I’m wrong.

So far I have seen mostly positive reactions.

I believe there is a large market of consumers in the US who can afford a $2000 premium phone compared to the $1300 iPhone Pro Max.

In China, reportedly JD.com's Apple store received more than 1.13 million registrations of interest for the Duo, at a starting price of ~$2400.

I could be wrong also, but I wouldn't be surprised if the iPhone Duo sells like hot cakes.

I could imagine that premium smartphone buyers, instead of upgrading their phones for minor camera and battery improvements, go for the device that unfolds into a tablet.

Yeah I think East Asia will drive alot here. That's where the large screen phone trend started as well. I'm also suspect of a $2k phone that also has had to make a number of compromises to support the new format. But the market will tell us who's right and it was worth it for Apple to try. If they fail it's really not the end of the world and they can pivot back to traditional form factors or find another.

Interesting, thanks for the explanation. Especially the China argument is promising.