iPhone Duo preorders sell out within minutes

Apple opened preorders for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, on the morning of October 16, 2026, and stock ran out almost at once. AppleInsider reported that delivery dates for every configuration slipped to November 16 and then November 23 within the first moments. Later in the day, The Verge reported that estimates had moved into 2027.

Apple does not say how many units it has ready on day one, so shipping dates are the usual clue to demand. AppleInsider noted that this time the signal is harder to read. Reports of manufacturing delays on the complex folding design suggest Apple may have built fewer units than usual. The Duo is also the most expensive iPhone Apple has sold, launching while a global chip shortage has pushed device prices up. In a statement quoted by Bloomberg and The Verge, Apple called preorder demand extraordinary and said it would keep taking orders online. First deliveries and in-store sales start October 23. Apple did not say whether stores will have stock for people who missed the preorder window.

Why it matters

Strong demand for a costly foldable tells app makers that folding screens on iOS are worth designing for.

Source: AppleInsider