Pre-order demand for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has been described by Apple as extraordinary, causing estimated shipping dates to slip to around January 25, 2027, while some reports claim physical Apple Stores will have none in stock ahead of its release.
Apple never reveals how many units of a specific iPhone model it has ready for pre-order day, but multiple reports indicate that manufacturing issues left the iPhone Duo in short supply from the start before it sold out in mere moments. In a carefully-worded statement sent to AppleInsider and other venues, the company addressed the overwhelming response:
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.
Inventory Drought and Shipping Delays
While the iPhone Duo can still be pre-ordered online, the estimated shipping date has slipped well beyond the original October 23, 2026 launch. For a brief period, customers had the option to order online and choose in-store pickup, but that option has since been removed. It was replaced by a notice instructing buyers to check back for availability on 10.24,
which is the day after the device is intended to arrive in stores.
Historically, Apple has always reserved a certain amount of stock to sell directly in physical Apple Stores on the date when the first pre-orders are delivered. However, MacRumors reports that Apple Store staff have been told to expect no stock, and CNBC reports that Apple refuses to confirm whether any units will be available.
Early Store Openings Worldwide
Despite the uncertainty surrounding inventory, a random sample of Apple Stores checked by AppleInsider across the US, Europe, and China revealed that every location is opening early on release day. Apple Stores are also opening early to accommodate scheduled pre-order pickup appointments throughout the day, with the extended operating hours designed to facilitate customers picking up their devices.
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