Apple has delayed delivery dates for its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, following an overwhelming preorder response. The device, which starts at $1,999, became available for preorder on Friday morning and sold out within minutes, prompting delivery estimates to move into early next year for many customers.
Initially, customers who placed orders immediately after the preorder window opened were scheduled to receive their devices in line with the official launch date of October 23. However, those who placed orders even moments later began seeing their estimated delivery dates pushed back significantly. By Saturday, Apple’s U.S. online store listed delivery windows extending as far out as late January 2027 for all configurations of the iPhone Duo. This included all color options and storage capacities, ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB.
The extended wait times led to frustration among customers who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Some users posted screenshots showing their shipments now scheduled for delivery in January, well beyond the initially anticipated timeframe. Others addressed their concerns directly to Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, who assumed the role in September, remarking on the unexpectedly high demand and subsequent delays.
The foldable iPhone represents Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market, a segment that several competitors have already explored. Priced at a premium, the device has attracted significant attention from the company’s loyal customer base, contributing to the rapid sellout. Apple has not publicly commented on the specific reasons behind the extended shipping estimates, but supply constraints and strong preorder volumes are likely factors contributing to the postponements.
The company has faced similar preorder surges and delivery delays with previous flagship devices, underscoring ongoing challenges in balancing supply and demand amid evolving consumer expectations and global supply chain pressures. Customers who ordered the foldable iPhone after the initial preorder surge should expect to wait several months before receiving their devices.