Trending
Apple has warned customers that only limited quantities of its foldable iPhone Duo will be available for walk-in purchases when the device launches on Friday. Initial online orders sold out within minutes, with delivery estimates for some buyers reportedly pushed to January.
Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone in September. Analysts expect the device to gain a significant share of the premium foldable market, where competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have offered products for several years.
However, the iPhone Duo also presents manufacturing challenges. Its tightly fitted hinge is more complex than components used in conventional smartphones, and analysts believe Apple may need time to scale up production.
Apple said its retail teams were preparing to welcome customers on launch day, although walk-in availability would depend on the market.
“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 in a statement.
“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,” it added.
The company said customers in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and much of the United Kingdom and Europe would have access to online order collection and limited walk-in purchases.
In several other markets, the iPhone Duo will be available only to customers who have already purchased the device online.
Apple listed mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand among the locations where walk-in buyers would not have access to new units.
The United Arab Emirates was also included in the list.
Macau will follow a different arrangement. Apple said the foldable phone would be available to walk-in customers there, but supplies would be limited.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market comes after years of competition from established manufacturers, including Samsung and Huawei.
The device’s early online sellout points to strong initial demand, although limited inventory and production constraints may affect availability during the launch period.
The hinge mechanism is among the key manufacturing challenges for foldable phones. Producing such components at scale while maintaining consistent quality can be more difficult than manufacturing conventional smartphone designs.
Apple has not indicated when walk-in stock will improve across the affected markets.
