Pre-orders for Apple's first foldable iPhone, the $1,999 iPhone Duo, sold out within minutes on October 16. Pre-orders opened at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, Yahoo reported. Apple's US online store now lists every model as shipping in late January, beyond Christmas. Even the top $3,199 model now ships on January 22.
Apple said pre-order demand had been "nothing short of extraordinary," CNBC reported. Apple added that the company will keep accepting online orders. Supply appeared tight well before launch. Apple pays Samsung about $250 per folding panel under an exclusive display supply agreement, with no second source.
Apple CEO John Ternus opened sales with a short teaser clip on X. Ternus took over from Tim Cook on September 1. Executive chairman Cook followed minutes later, directing buyers to the October 23 launch. Apple unveiled the device at Ternus's first keynote as CEO on September 9. The iPhone Duo combines a 5.4-inch outer screen with a 7.6-inch matte inner display.
Apple Stores begin sales on October 23, and some stores may have units for walk-in buyers. Walk-in inventory is expected to be very tight, and Apple has not confirmed that inventory, according to MacRumors. Buyers can try reserving store pickup online from October 24, when Apple's store page says availability will be updated. The update may signal fresh stock reaching stores. Apple could clear the order backlog sooner than delivery estimates suggest, but December delivery is not guaranteed.
A missed holiday delivery window could help rivals. Samsung says more iPhone owners are switching to Samsung's foldable phones. However, IDC analyst Nabila Popal told CNBC that iPhone Duo shipments could grow about 70% next year. Popal said that growth would give Apple roughly 40% of the foldable market, ahead of Samsung and Huawei.
The pre-orders demonstrate demand for the iPhone Duo. Apple faces the harder task of delivering phones before Samsung attracts shoppers left waiting.