Apple Opens iPhone Duo Sales as Queues Form for Limited Stock

Customers faced constrained availability for the iPhone Duo on Friday, October 23, as Apple opened its first foldable smartphone for purchase at retail locations globally. Shoppers formed lines outside stores in various countries, hoping to secure a unit during the initial walk-in period.

Apple issued a statement on Friday morning confirming that inventory levels in physical stores were limited. The company shared photographic evidence of the launch event from multiple cities. Employees inside the stores provided hands-on demonstrations and personalized assistance to visitors trying out the new device.

Company leaders attended the opening in different regions. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, and retail executive Vanessa Trigub were present at the flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York. John Ternus, Apple’s chief executive officer, visited the Domain NORTHSIDE location in Austin, Texas, alongside retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. Ternus had toured the company’s Austin offices earlier in the week.

Austin is also hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix this weekend. Apple serves as the exclusive streaming partner for the race in the United States. Store staff reportedly directed disappointed customers to check the Apple Store app at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday to view updated stock details for their local locations.

The launch marked the first global retail debut for a foldable iPhone. Apple’s caution regarding supply appears to have materialized in the form of long queues and limited immediate access for walk-in buyers.