The iPhone Duo will be available for purchase Friday, and Apple has said that the limited availability will be found by those who walk into an Apple Store. The announcement came Wednesday as many first-time online orders were sold out of stock within minutes and with delivery expected to be January for some.
Why the iPhone Duo Sold Out So Fast
The interest in Apple's first folding iPhone has been there since September, and the reaction has been quite favorable. The device is projected to soon enter the foldable phone market alongside of the premium foldable devices produced by Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies for years.
The rate of the sellout indicates there's been a lot of demand building up among Apple customers for a foldable phone, not just a different brand. The iPhone Duo is the first foldable that many consumers would think of.
A More Complex Product to Build
The iPhone Duo is more difficult to produce than a regular candy-bar iPhone. The main problem is its small size, and experts say Apple might have to wait to learn how to make it in large quantities. This does not come as a surprise, given the fact that supply is constricted even for a manufacturer as powerful as Apple.
For buyers, they may have to wait. For some customers, delivery is already underway online as far back as January, and as for in person, stock on launch day will be limited.
What Apple Said About Walk-In Availability
Apple stated in its release that it will see customers at Apple Stores on Friday morning to experience the iPhone Duo and the entire iPhone line-up. The company said that it is actively trying to get the product to customers as soon as possible.
The availability of walk-in is subject to change depending on the country. Apple hasn't released any official numbers, so people looking to buy should assume that inventory will be a first come, first served basis.
Where You Can Buy the iPhone Duo in Store
These markets will have some online order pickup and limited walk-in sales:
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
- Mexico
- Much of the UK and Europe
Regions With Pickup Only
Apple Stores will contain only the iPhone Duo in some areas, where customers have already purchased the item online. These include:
- Mainland China
- France
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- The UAE
The situation is different in Macau. The iPhone Duo will be sold only to walk-in customers and will be limited in stock.
What Buyers Should Do Next
On launch day, if you want to have an iPhone Duo, find out which category you're in. Customers of markets that let people in without an appointment should be prepared to get in line early Friday as supplies are limited. Pickup only users should verify their orders and pick-up information with Apple.
For those who haven't ordered yet, bumps in the line ahead. Apple's delivery timelines could improve when the company moves to mass production of the folding iPhone, although it hasn't announced a timeline.
The Bigger Picture for Foldable Phones
The iPhone Duo's introduction is an important milestone for the foldable phone market. Apple's move puts a fresh spotlight on a market which has been expanding but has stayed relatively low-volume, compared to traditional smartphones. The hinge manufacturing issue will prove to be a determining factor for Apple's iPhone Duo to enter the market in the next couple of months.
The message remains: demand is high, supply is limited, and availability is dependent on location.
