ON
🔍Log in
← Back to feed
Cyber alert: Beware of fake Apple websites selling iPhone Duo at big discount
India💻 Technology

Cyber alert: Beware of fake Apple websites selling iPhone Duo at big discount

Cybercriminals are leveraging the high demand for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Duo to deploy phishing attacks through fraudulent websites. These scam sites offer significant discounts, such as 25%, and utilize countdown timers to pressure users into providing personal information. The article notes that genuine iPhone Duo units have sold out quickly, with delivery timelines extending to February 2027 despite a reported 44 percent increase in factory production. To protect consumers, the piece advises verifying URLs using security tools, utilizing virtual payment methods, and enabling multi-factor authentication. It also directs readers to official Apple retail channels and mentions the Indian toll-free number 1930 for reporting online fraud.

Apple has restricted customers to purchasing a maximum of two units of the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max due to intense demand. The purchase cap became active following the start of pre-orders on October 16, ahead of the device’s scheduled release on October 23. While the limitation was previously applied during the original iPhone launch in 2007 to deter resellers, Apple has not officially stated the reason for reinstating the rule now. Users attempting to order more than two devices on Apple’s website receive a direct notification stating the limit. This restriction is currently visible on the company’s digital storefronts in India, the United States, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The surge in interest has led to extended delivery timelines. Initial reports indicated shipping dates stretching into January, though other data suggests delays reaching February 2027. To manage inventory, Apple reportedly requested a 44 percent increase in factory output. In Japan and South Korea, retailers require customers to book store pickups in advance, eliminating walk-in availability at launch. Market analysts from Counterpoint Research project the iPhone Duo could capture approximately 25 percent of the global foldable smartphone market. This share would place Apple second to Samsung, which holds 38 percent, and ahead of Huawei at 22 percent. The firm estimates Apple may ship nearly six million units in 2026, despite a starting Indian price of 300,000 rupees. Simultaneously, cybercriminals are exploiting the product’s popularity through fraudulent schemes. Threat actors have deployed sophisticated phishing sites in multiple languages, advertising counterfeit discounts of 25 percent on the new handset. These scam pages feature artificial countdown timers lasting thirty minutes to pressure victims into sharing personal contact details. Once users provide their information, scammers often redirect them to private communication channels. The legitimate iPhone Duo variants in India are priced at 299,900 rupees and 449,900 rupees. Security experts advise consumers to verify website addresses using tools such as Truecaller, utilize virtual payment cards, and enable multi-factor authentication. Individuals suspecting fraud can contact the toll-free helpline 1930 for assistance.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 45Objective 90
iPhone Duo demand so high, Apple caps purchases: Here's how many you can buy

Apple has implemented a purchase limit of two units per customer for the newly released iPhone Duo, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, in several markets including India, the United States, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This restriction aims to prevent bulk buying by resellers and ensure wider availability for individual consumers. The high demand for the iPhone Duo has led to extended delivery times, with some reports indicating deliveries may stretch into January. Analysts predict strong performance for the iPhone Duo in the global foldable smartphone market, estimating Apple could capture around 25% of the market share by 2026, though these are projections rather than confirmed sales data.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses technological product launches and market strategies, focusing on consumer electronics and supply chain management. There is no direct political content, controversy, or ideological framing present in the piece.

Why factuality (45): The article contains significant factual anomalies likely due to hallucination or severe typos. It refers to an 'iPhone Duo' and 'iPhone 18 Pro', which do not exist in reality (current models are iPhone 16 series, and no 'Duo' model exists). While the text cites specific dates (Oct 16/23) and market

Why objectivity (90): The tone is largely neutral and informative. It presents the purchase limits and market expectations without heavy editorializing or emotional language. It clearly distinguishes between projections and actual sales figures, maintaining a balanced journalistic style despite the underlying factual err

Deccan Herald logoDeccan HeraldIndependentCenter
Cyber alert: Beware of fake Apple websites selling iPhone Duo at big discount

Cybercriminals are leveraging the high demand for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Duo to deploy phishing attacks through fraudulent websites. These scam sites offer significant discounts, such as 25%, and utilize countdown timers to pressure users into providing personal information. The article notes that genuine iPhone Duo units have sold out quickly, with delivery timelines extending to February 2027 despite a reported 44 percent increase in factory production. To protect consumers, the piece advises verifying URLs using security tools, utilizing virtual payment methods, and enabling multi-factor authentication. It also directs readers to official Apple retail channels and mentions the Indian toll-free number 1930 for reporting online fraud.

Bias read (Center): The article covers a cybersecurity threat related to consumer technology. While it involves corporate entities and potential regulatory implications regarding fraud, the core subject is technical safety and consumer advice rather than partisan politics or public policy debate. The tone is purely exl

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories

Cybersecurity: What used to take days for a human to do, now happens in minutes

Cybersecurity: What used to take days for a human to do, now happens in minutes

Center8 sources
Apple fan brings 53 old iPhones to pick up latest Duo in Dubai

Apple fan brings 53 old iPhones to pick up latest Duo in Dubai

2 sources
Crypto platform Binance confirms major hack, more than US$2.5 billion frozen

Crypto platform Binance confirms major hack, more than US$2.5 billion frozen

5 sources
Binance pauses withdrawals as hackers suspected of stealing billions in crypto

Binance pauses withdrawals as hackers suspected of stealing billions in crypto

Center4 sources
Binance freezes $2.54 billion in assets after potential security breach

Binance freezes $2.54 billion in assets after potential security breach

3 sources
Binance temporarily suspends withdrawals after apparent hack

Binance temporarily suspends withdrawals after apparent hack

Center2 sources