Apple’s newly launched iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, saw its pre-orders sell out within minutes of availability, with shipping estimates pushed back to January 22, 2025, according to multiple reports. The device, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, went up for pre-order on Friday at 8 a.m. ET via Apple.com and the Apple Store app. Within hours, estimated delivery dates were delayed past the phone’s official launch date of October 23, with all storage configurations and color variants affected by shortages.
Supply shortages and customer frustration
Early pre-orderers reported delays as Apple’s website and app struggled to handle demand. By mid-afternoon on Friday, the earliest confirmed shipping date for any model was January 22, with some users noting that availability had been pushed to 2027 in certain cases. Social media users criticized Apple’s infrastructure, citing technical issues and canceled orders. One user on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “A trillion-dollar company like Apple should be better prepared to handle high traffic during iPhone pre-orders.” Another added, “Worst iPhone pre-order of all time. Good job, Apple.”
Apple’s response and market expectations
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment on pre-order volume or supply constraints. Analysts, however, described the demand as “extraordinary.” In a statement, Apple said it was “working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible” and would continue accepting online orders. Wall Street analyst Dan Ives of Yorkville Ives noted in a research note that pre-order demand was “running well ahead of supply out of the gates.” He projected Apple would sell 10 million Duos in the next few quarters and up to 25 million by 2027.
Pricing and market positioning
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for a 256GB model, with higher storage tiers reaching $3,000 for 2TB. The device features a dual-screen design, allowing users to split the display for multitasking or compare two apps side by side. When folded, it resembles the size of a passport, while the unfolded display is the largest of any Apple phone, described by Apple as resembling an iPad. The pricing places the Duo above the Pro and Pro Max models, marking a new price tier for the iPhone lineup.
Industry outlook on foldables
Market research firm IDC estimates foldables will account for just over 2% of global smartphone units in 2024 but nearly 7% of industry revenue, reflecting their premium pricing. By 2030, IDC projects foldables could represent 10% of smartphone revenue while still comprising only 3% of units sold. Nabila Popal, global senior research director for IDC’s Consumer Device Team, described the Duo as “fast becoming an aspirational foldable,” comparing its appeal to Apple’s broader status as a premium brand. Popal noted that while foldable technology is not new—having existed in Android devices for years—the Duo’s introduction to Apple’s ecosystem could drive significant value from a relatively small customer base.
Technical specifications and launch context
The iPhone Duo was announced by Apple CEO John Ternus last month alongside the iPhone 18, which went on sale in September. The Duo’s dual-screen functionality allows for features such as running two different apps simultaneously or opening two windows of the same website for comparison shopping. Apple has explored foldable designs for more than a decade, though this marks its first commercial release in the category.