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Apple’s first foldable iPhone is heading into launch day with a problem most companies would love to have: huge demand, but nowhere near enough immediately available stock to satisfy it.
Apple has now confirmed that Apple Stores will have only limited iPhone Duo inventory for walk-in customers on Friday, October 23, adding another sign that the device is entering launch weekend under unusually severe supply pressure.
The company told MacRumors that stores will carry limited quantities for customers without reservations, while Apple continues working to get the new device into buyers’ hands as quickly as possible.
The warning follows a string of indicators pointing to exceptionally tight availability. Launch-day delivery began disappearing less than 15 minutes after preorders opened, and new orders quickly slipped into 2027.
Apple later acknowledged the scale of the rush itself. The company described demand as “nothing short of extraordinary”, while reports have also pointed to manufacturing challenges around the foldable display and hinge that may be limiting how quickly supply can expand.
Apple has since added further controls around the launch. U.S. customers are currently limited to two iPhone Duo devices per order, while Apple is temporarily requiring reservations for iPhone Duo retail purchases in Japan.
The result is an unusual launch-day picture. Apple Stores will be heavily promoting iPhone Duo and customers will be able to see the device in person, but sellable walk-in inventory may disappear quickly or be unavailable in some configurations.
For customers who have not already secured a preorder, checking local pickup availability online before visiting an Apple Store will offer the best chance of finding one. Even then, stock is likely to change rapidly as units are reserved, collected or reallocated.
iPhone Duo officially launches Friday, October 23, starting at $1,999 in the United States and £1,999 in the UK.
For the latest iPhone Duo availability, Apple Store stock updates and Apple news, download The Apple Post app on iPhone and iPad.