Apple has confirmed that a limited number of iPhone Duo units will be available for purchase at its retail stores starting today, Friday, October 23, giving customers another chance to get their hands on the foldable iPhone after pre-orders sold out almost immediately.
The confirmation comes after earlier reports suggested that Apple’s first foldable phone will not be available for walk-in purchases at launch. However, an Apple spokesperson has now confirmed that stores have some stock for customers who have not placed an order, although the company expects supplies to run out quickly.
“Apple Stores have limited iPhone Duo available to walk-in customers, and we’re working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said in a statement first reported by MacRumors.
The limited availability is not entirely surprising. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened on October 16 and sold out within minutes, with delivery estimates slipping almost immediately as demand outstripped available stock. Apple has also reportedly faced manufacturing delays, which could explain why the company is struggling to keep up with orders ahead of the phone’s debut.
The £/$1,999 iPhone Duo is Apple’s first attempt at a foldable smartphone, offering a larger screen when unfolded while remaining compact enough to carry like a conventional phone. Its unusual design has attracted considerable attention, but customers hoping to see one in person before buying may have trouble finding stock.
According to AppleInsider, Apple Stores appear to be opening earlier than usual, giving potential customers more time to collect their pre-orders or try their luck with the limited walk-in stock. However, Apple hasn’t confirmed how many units each location will get, so arriving early doesn’t necessarily guarantee a purchase.
For those who consider ordering online instead, the wait can be significantly longer. Current delivery estimates have been pegged to January 25, 2027 at the time of writing, meaning new buyers could be waiting around three months to receive their devices.
Apple typically reserves a portion of its new iPhone inventory for launch-day shoppers, but the iPhone Duo appears to be a different story. With demand already pushing deliveries into next year, anyone hoping to pick one up in store may have a difficult time finding one.
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