Apple’s first foldable iPhone sees pre-orders sell out within minutes

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, iPhone Duo, saw its initial pre-order allocation sell out within minutes on Friday, with delivery estimates pushed back from its scheduled October 23 release to late January.

According to reports, the iPhone Duo was scheduled to go on sale on October 23, but customers placing orders shortly after pre-orders began on October 16 were told they might not receive their devices until January 22.

Apple had opened pre-orders at 1pm UK time, or 5am Pacific time, with delivery delays appearing on both its US and UK online stores within half an hour. Delivery dates could be pushed back further as the company processes additional orders.

The device, unveiled last month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, marks Apple’s first entry into the foldable-phone market and a major redesign of its flagship product.

Despite its premium price, demand appears strong. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, while higher-storage configurations can cost as much as $3,199.

However, Apple had warned in advance that supplies would be limited. Reports have pointed to production challenges involving the phone’s complex design, particularly the hinge mechanism that allows its display to fold.

The company is also launching the device amid wider technology-industry supply pressures, with growing demand for chips from artificial intelligence companies making components more expensive and difficult to source.