Image: Apple
iPhone Duo pre-orders have been open for less than 15 minutes, and launch-day delivery availability has already disappeared for some configurations as customers rush to secure Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Apple officially opened iPhone Duo pre-orders at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET in the United States and 1 p.m. BST in the UK on Friday, October 16. Apple had confirmed the exact pre-order time ahead of launch, with the first orders originally scheduled to arrive on Friday, October 23.
Within minutes of orders opening, however, launch-day availability had already started to disappear. Customers attempting to place orders are now seeing delivery estimates move beyond October 23 on some iPhone Duo configurations, marking an extremely fast sell-through of Apple’s initial launch allocation.
The rush has been complicated by reports from some users that the Apple Store did not come back online at the scheduled pre-order time. Customers have reported seeing the store remain unavailable, being unable to progress through checkout, or getting access later than others, potentially costing them a launch-day delivery slot.
The problems are particularly notable because Apple had encouraged customers to prepare in advance. Apple gave buyers until Thursday night to save an iPhone Duo configuration, including their preferred storage, color, financing and trade-in details, so they could complete checkout as quickly as possible when orders went live.
Earlier today, the Apple Store went offline ahead of iPhone Duo pre-orders, as it normally does before a major product launch. Apple had been expected to bring the store back online at the scheduled start time, but the rollout appears to have been uneven for some customers.
The speed at which launch-day availability has disappeared will add to signs that demand for iPhone Duo is running high. The Apple Post previously reported that iPhone Duo could be extremely difficult to buy at launch, with supply-chain reports pointing to constrained early production and lower initial volumes than a typical flagship iPhone launch.
Apple has also reportedly been working to increase supply ahead of release, but the first few minutes of pre-orders suggest the company’s initial allocation is still being absorbed quickly. Customers who have not yet ordered may need to accept a later delivery date, check alternate configurations, or look for Apple Store pickup availability closer to launch day.
iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States and £1,999 in the UK, with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options available in star white and night sky. Our full iPhone Duo pricing and release guide covers the complete lineup and launch schedule.
Apple still lists Friday, October 23 as iPhone Duo’s official release date, when the device is due to arrive in stores and begin reaching the first customers. The key question now is how quickly delivery estimates continue to slip as more buyers complete their orders.
For the latest iPhone Duo availability updates, launch coverage and Apple news, download The Apple Post app on iPhone and iPad.