Apple has warned customers hoping to buy its new folding iPhone Duo in physical stores that supplies will be limited when the device officially launches on Friday, October 23.
The announcement comes after the first batch of online orders sold out within minutes, with delivery estimates for some customers pushed back as far as January.
Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone in September, entering a premium market already occupied by competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies.
The strong demand for the new device suggests considerable interest in Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market. However, the company may face challenges producing enough units to meet customer expectations.
Unlike conventional iPhones, the iPhone Duo features a more complex design that includes a closely fitted hinge. Analysts believe manufacturing the component at a sufficiently high volume could take time, potentially limiting early supplies.
In a statement, Apple said its retail teams were preparing to welcome customers on launch day but warned that not everyone would be able to purchase the phone in person.
“On Friday morning, our teams look forward to welcoming customers at Apple Stores to experience iPhone Duo and the incredible iPhone line-up for themselves,” the company said.
Apple added: “Apple Stores will have limited iPhone Duo available for walk-in customers, and we’re working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible.”
Countries Where Customers Can Buy the Phone In-Store
Apple said the availability of walk-in purchases would differ depending on the country or territory.
In the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and much of the United Kingdom and Europe, customers will be able to collect online orders and make limited purchases directly from Apple Stores.
However, buyers in several other markets will only be able to receive the device if they have already placed an online order.
These markets include mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
Macau, a territory of China, will have a different arrangement, with limited iPhone Duo stock available for customers who visit stores without a prior online order.
Production Challenges Could Affect Supply
Apple’s limited launch inventory comes as analysts assess how quickly the company can manufacture its first foldable smartphone at scale.
The device’s hinge mechanism and more complicated construction could make production more challenging than that of standard iPhones.
With online orders already exceeding the initial supply, customers who miss out on launch day may have to wait longer to receive their devices.
Apple has said it is working to get the phone into customers’ hands as quickly as possible, but the extent to which supply will improve after launch remains unclear.
