Apple's new iPhone Duo saw pre-orders sell out within minutes, pushing delivery estimates for new purchases into early 2027. The company described demand as 'nothing short of extraordinary'.
Apple has confirmed that demand for its new iPhone Duo is "nothing short of extraordinary", even as delivery estimates for the device have slipped well into 2027 for new orders. MacRumors reported that Apple made this statement to the Financial Times, adding that the company is "working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible."
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began this morning, October 17, at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. Stock quickly dwindled, with delivery dates shifting from an initial October 23 to November within minutes. By 5:30 a.m. PT, delivery estimates for new orders had reached January 25, 2027.
Currently, customers placing an order for the iPhone Duo directly from Apple will not receive their device in 2026. They'll have to wait until early 2027. This aligns with earlier rumours that suggested supplies could be constrained due to manufacturing difficulties.
What do these delays mean for Indian buyers?
While the iPhone Duo's official India launch and pricing haven't been confirmed, these global supply issues will certainly impact availability here. Given the significant delays in Apple's home market, it's highly likely that Indian consumers will face an even longer wait, or potentially only receive limited stock if the device launches in India soon.
The starting price for the iPhone Duo is $1,999, going up to $3,199 for the 2TB storage variant in the US. For context, a device priced at $1,999 would likely translate to a starting price well above ₹1.5 lakh in India, factoring in import duties and taxes. This positions the iPhone Duo firmly in the ultra-premium segment, competing with devices like Samsung's latest foldables, which already command high prices.
For those eager to get their hands on Apple's latest, these delays might mean having to consider buying through unofficial import channels, which often come with inflated prices and no local warranty. It also means a significant wait for an official release, if one happens, and potentially even more constrained stock at launch.
Potential for earlier delivery or store stock
MacRumors noted that in the past, when iPhone supplies were limited, Apple has sometimes managed to ship devices earlier than initially expected. However, there are no guarantees, and many customers will clearly be waiting for months.
Apple has not yet confirmed if there will be any iPhone Duo stock available for walk-in purchases on October 23, which is when the first pre-orders are slated for delivery. However, the company's website does suggest checking back on October 24 for potential store pickup availability. If physical stock is indeed available, we could see long lines outside Apple retail stores, a sight not common for several years.
For Indian customers, the best course of action is patience. Waiting for an official India launch or at least a clearer picture of global supply will likely be less frustrating than navigating import channels or long waits after pre-ordering a device without a confirmed local release.
