A Record-Breaking Launch for Apple's First Foldable
The launch of Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, has shattered expectations. Almost immediately after pre-orders went live, the new handset faced a massive supply backlog, with shipping dates quickly extending to late January 2027—a full three months past the intended launch window of October 23.
Even for a brand that is accustomed to high demand during major product releases, this level of sell-out is virtually unheard of. Within the first 15 minutes of availability, the initial stock was exhausted, leaving many eager customers waiting significantly longer than anticipated.
Supply Chain Challenges and Ordering Chaos
Before the launch, industry analysts had speculated about potential production hurdles and low manufacturing yields for the device. These concerns appear to be manifesting in the current market, as Apple's online store struggled to keep pace with consumer interest. By the time the store refreshed, shipping estimates had already shifted from November to December, eventually settling on January 25 for new orders.
The checkout process proved to be a frustrating experience for many users. One customer described a rapid deterioration of availability:
"They said pick up in store on the 10/23 or shipped for 11/6. So I chose pick up and selected a time. By the time I got to checkout a few seconds later, no pickups were available anywhere. And the delivery window slipped to 11/20! At least when I bought Rush tickets last year they were secure once they were in my cart! And now, after typing this, pre-order deliveries have slipped to 12/14."
Future Availability and Retail Strategies
Despite the online backlog, there may still be opportunities for customers to secure the device sooner. Apple typically allocates a portion of its inventory for in-store walk-ins on the official launch day, October 23. Furthermore, potential buyers are advised to monitor the Apple online store periodically for updates regarding in-store pickup reservations.
Additional units may also become available through wireless carriers and authorized third-party retailers such as Best Buy. Given the intensity of the interest, experts anticipate high secondary market prices as demand continues to significantly outpace current supply capacity.