iPhone Duo preorders are showing up at customers' doorsteps ad in Apple Stores as Apple's first foldable rolls out worldwide.

Apple opened preorders for the iPhone Duo on October 16 ahead of its October 23 release date. It didn't take long for release dates to slip and eventually stabilize in mid-January.

Deliveries typically begin in Australia and New Zealand, then Asia, Europe, and North America. Apple Stores generally open at 8:00 AM local time to cater to launch-day enthusiasts.

Crowded tech store event where many people, including staff in matching shirts, test and photograph smartphones and devices displayed on several white tables in a bright modern showroom

Launch day crowds in Apple Jing'an Shanghai - image credit: Apple

Early recipients have taken to social media to post photos and first impressions of the new devices. These posts also offer customers elsewhere an early look at the device before their own deliveries arrive.

Two smiling people in a bright store; one gives a thumbs up while the other holds up a purple smartphone displaying its screen toward the camera

Demonstrating the new iPhone Duo to customers at Apple Jing'an - image credit: Apple

Despite expectation that iPhone Duo stocks in store would be low to even none, and Apple specifically saying that they are limited, crowds have gathered at stores worldwide.

Smiling person walks through a store entrance giving high fives to cheering employees lined up on both sides, creating a celebratory, welcoming atmosphere

The very first customer at Apple Jing'an - image credit: Apple.

Apple Store staff were cautious about stock levels first thing, not being willing to confirm how many in a queue would get one.

Several foldable smartphones on stands display a serene desert landscape on their screens inside a modern electronics store, with wooden tables, brochures, and a few shoppers in the background

As well as pre-orders arriving, Apple Stores have added display models. This is Apple Birmingham in the UK.

Customers in the U.S. will begin receiving their preorders on Friday morning as delivery services start their routes. Apple Stores will also have limited numbers of the iPhone Duo available for in-store pickup and walk-in purchases.