Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has shattered expectations, selling out its initial online delivery allocation within minutes of preorders opening on October 16, 2026.
The overwhelming demand for the $1,999 device has pushed estimated shipping dates for new orders into late January 2027 across every color and storage configuration, forcing Apple to scramble to accelerate shipments amid constrained supply.
The Preorder Frenzy: A Site Crash and Instant Sellout
The scene was one of chaos and high demand. Apple’s online store went offline early Friday morning, replacing product pages with its familiar “be right back” message ahead of the 5:00 a.m. PT preorder launch. When the store returned, the rush was immediate. Within just 15 minutes, launch-day delivery had already sold out, confirming earlier warnings of extremely constrained supply.
The speed of the sellout was staggering. Delivery estimates began slipping into January less than an hour after preorders opened. By Friday afternoon, the US Apple Store was showing a delivery date of January 25, 2027, for all models—from the 256GB base version to the 2TB top-tier model—regardless of whether customers chose the Night Sky or Star White colorway. The situation was mirrored globally, with the first batch of devices selling out almost instantly in markets like China, where preorders opened at 8 PM local time and were met with an immediate out-of-stock status on both Apple’s site and major e-commerce platforms.
Apple Responds: ‘Nothing Short of Extraordinary‘
As shipping estimates tumbled, Apple issued a statement acknowledging the unprecedented demand. “The pre-order demand for iPhone Duo, our first foldable iPhone, has been nothing short of extraordinary,” the company said. “We are working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible, and we will continue accepting orders online.”
Despite the delays, Apple is maintaining its scheduled October 23 launch date, when the device is expected to begin reaching early customers and become available in stores across more than 70 countries and regions. A second wave of availability is planned for an additional 28 markets on October 30. However, it remains unclear whether Apple has set aside inventory for walk-in shoppers on launch day or if all units are already claimed by online preorders.
The iPhone Duo: A New Era for Apple
The sellout marks a defining moment for Apple, representing one of the most significant physical changes to the iPhone since its introduction in 2007. The iPhone Duo is the company’s first foray into the foldable market, a category already occupied by established players like Samsung and Google, who have spent years refining their designs.
The device features a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds like a book, paired with a 5.4-inch outer screen that functions like a conventional iPhone when closed. It is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, and features a titanium frame and a precision hinge with more than 100 components. The inner display uses a nano-textured cover layer to reduce glare and minimize the visibility of the crease, a common pain point for foldable phones.
The software is equally important. iOS 27.1 has been redesigned for the foldable form factor, introducing features like Split View, which allows users to run two apps side-by-side on an iPhone for the first time. The device also supports Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, bringing artificial intelligence capabilities to the new form factor.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, with prices rising to $3,199 for the 2TB version. In the UK, it starts at £1,999. The device also marks a shift in authentication, using Touch ID integrated into the side button rather than Face ID.
A Gamble That Is Already Paying Off
The strong preorder demand is a major victory for Apple and its new CEO, John Ternus, who took the helm in September. The iPhone Duo is one of his first major product launches, following the recent introduction of the HomeView smart home hub and AirPods 5.
Industry analysts are already revising their forecasts upward. Current projections suggest that iPhone Duo sales could exceed earlier estimates of 14 million units and $28 billion in sales for the company’s fiscal 2027 year. If Apple can persuade current Pro and Pro Max owners to switch to the base version of the foldable, it would push up the iPhone’s average selling price significantly.
Other estimates suggest Apple could sell around 6 million iPhone Duos this year, a figure that would still represent a strong start for a device in a niche market. The sellout also confirms that there is substantial consumer appetite for a premium Apple device at an ultra-premium price point, even as the company faces intense competition from rivals in the foldable space.
Scalpers, Delays, and the Challenge of Supply
For now, the immediate challenge for Apple is supply. Suppliers are reportedly scheduled to ship roughly 7 to 10 million units for the rest of 2026, a figure that may struggle to meet the demand demonstrated during the preorder window. Apple increased Duo orders by 30% ahead of preorders after earlier production concerns, a decision that now looks prescient.
The scarcity has also created a secondary market. Scalpers are already listing the iPhone Duo on platforms like eBay at markups of up to $5,000, and in China, traders are offering the device at a premium of 6,000 to 10,000 yuan (roughly $897 to $1,495) above the list price.
For customers who missed the initial preorder window, the wait is significant. Those placing new orders online now will have to wait more than three months, with delivery dates extending to late January 2027. Some buyers have expressed frustration on social media, noting that their delivery dates slipped even after they had pre-selected their model during Apple’s “Get Ready” process.
The iPhone Duo’s launch is a resounding commercial success, but it is also a logistical challenge. Apple has proven it can create a compelling foldable device that captures the imagination of its customer base. The coming months will test whether it can build them fast enough to satisfy that demand.
Ahmed Banafa
Tech Expert
Ahmed Banafa is an expert in new tech with appearances on ABC, NBC , CBS, FOX TV and radio stations. He served as a professor, academic advisor and coordinator at well-known American universities and colleges….
Ahmed Banafa is an expert in new tech with appearances on ABC, NBC , CBS, FOX TV and radio stations. He served as a professor, academic advisor and coordinator at well-known American universities and colleges. His researches are featured on Forbes, MIT Technology Review, ComputerWorld and Techonomy. He published over 100 articles about the internet of things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data. His research papers are used in many patents, numerous thesis and conferences. He is also a guest speaker at international technology conferences. He is the recipient of several awards, including Distinguished Tenured Staff Award, Instructor of the year and Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco. Ahmed studied cyber security at Harvard University. He is the author of the book: Secure and Smart Internet of Things Using Blockchain and AI.
