Apple says that demand for the iPhone Duo was "extraordinary," and while it's certain inventory will be low, some reports claim that Apple Stores will have none in stock.
Apple never says how many of an iPhone model it has ready for pre-order day. Plus there are multiple reports that manufacturing issues meant the iPhone Duo was in short supply from the start, but it still got sold out in mere moments. Now Apple has sent AppleInsider and other venues a carefully-worded statement:
"The pre-order demand for iPhone Duo, our first foldable iPhone, has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible, and we will continue accepting orders online. Our teams look forward to welcoming customers at Apple Stores worldwide to experience the iPhone Duo and the incredible full iPhone line-up for themselves.
The iPhone Duo can still be pre-ordered, but the estimated shipping date is now around January 25, 2027. For a brief time before the shipping date slipped back beyond the original October 23, 2026, there was also an option to order online and pick up in store.
That option has now gone, and been replaced by a notice saying "check back for availability on 10.24." This is the day after the iPhone Duo is meant to be in stores.
Previously, it has always been the case that Apple kept a certain amount of stock to go on sale in physical Apple Stores on the date the first pre-orders deliver. MacRumors says that Apple Store staff have been told to expect no stock, while CNBC reports that Apple refuses to confirm.
Every Apple Store that AppleInsider checked in a random sample across the US, Europe, and China, is opening early on that date. However, Apple Stores also open early because of pre-order pickups.
Those are appointments that are scheduled throughout the day, and the longer opening hours facilitate more pre-order customers.
