Smart Communications expects strong demand for the iPhone Duo, citing early reservations and waitlisted subscribers as the company awaits more units of Apple’s foldable phone.
Smart first vice president and officer-in-charge Lloyd Manaloto said the device’s new form factor had generated interest ahead of its Philippine release.
“Hopefully in the next few weeks, months, we will have the supply fully available. But the demand is there,” Manaloto told PhilSTAR Tech during the Smart Infinity iPhone Duo midnight launch on October 30, at The Peninsula, Makati City.
He attributed the interest to the ability to carry a pocket-sized phone that opens into a larger screen, which he said could expand how customers use their devices for entertainment and work.
Supporting that outlook, Smart Infinity vice president and head Tina Montinola said subscribers had contacted relationship managers and stores after hearing about Apple’s plans for a foldable phone.
Montinola said reservations had left some subscribers on a waiting list, making her optimistic about the device’s contribution to the premium brand’s sales.
“So I’m very positive that it will also increase our sales for Smart Infinity,” she said.
Neither executive provided total reservation figures or sales targets during the interviews.
Montinola said shipments were arriving in limited quantities, with Infinity members given priority when stocks become available.
“As soon as we have it, it’s prioritized for our Infinity members,” she said.
Smart Infinity is Smart’s premium postpaid brand, offering unlimited data, calls and texts alongside dedicated relationship managers, concierge services and access to lifestyle privileges.
Montinola said its plans include roaming data valid for one year and consumable lifestyle credits that subscribers can use for eligible app purchases and digital subscriptions. Plan 3500 comes with 6GB of roaming data, while Plan 5000 includes 20GB.
For customers sharing an account, Infinity Plus costs Php 9,500 a month for three lines with unlimited data and includes Php 4,500 in shared lifestyle credits, along with relationship manager and concierge services. Montinola said the plan can serve families or groups of friends.
Forty subscribers were present to personally claim their devices during the launch, including customers from both Infinity and Smart’s regular postpaid business.
For Manaloto, the device also presents an opportunity to demonstrate how customers could use Smart’s 5G network with a larger mobile display.
He cited Smart’s recognition from network testing firm Ookla for mobile video experience, saying the combination could support streaming, content sharing and productivity.
“The fact that you can open up the screen. That fundamentally changes the way you use it,” Manaloto said when asked about his favorite feature.
He identified livestreaming and online selling as possible applications, including for users visiting tourist destinations. More uses could emerge as customers become familiar with the device and services adapt to its capabilities, he added.
The midnight launch featured a Ben&Ben concert, which Manaloto said was intended to give customers an experience beyond waiting for their phones.
He recalled that Smart began working with the band during the pandemic in 2020 and later collaborated on a commercial involving Apple Music in 2022.
Montinola said flagship device launches and access to partner privileges form part of Infinity’s membership offering, with more experiences planned for subscribers next year.
