With the iPhone Duo pre-orders quickly turning into a disaster, some people were hoping they could just walk-in and buy one on the launch day. However, this may not be the best idea and is outright impossible for buyers, at least in some countries.
Apple confirms limited availability for iPhone Duo walk-in purchases on launch day
The iPhone Duo will have a limited availability for walk-in customers at Apple Stores, but only in some countries. In a statement the company sent to MacRumors today, the company said it’s expecting supply to sell out very quickly on Friday, October 23, when the foldable finally launches.
Apple said the iPhone Duo will be available for walk-in purchases in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the following countries:
Austria
Belgium
Mexico
Germany
Netherlands
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Türkiye
The company also confirmed there will be a supply in certain Apple Stores in Italy, but it didn’t specify which of these stores might be. Limited inventory will also be available only on launch day in Macao.
Do you plan buying an iPhone Duo?
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iPhone Duo buyers need to make a reservation in a number of countries
The iPhone Duo is officially launching on Friday, October 23. | Image by Apple
Despite that some customers in Japan saw the shipment estimates for their iPhone Duo pre-orders moving to much earlier dates this week, the foldable won’t be available for walk-in purchases there. The same goes for Hong Kong, India, and the following countries:
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France
China
Malaysia
South Korea
Taiwan
United Arab Emirates
In these countries, customers will have to use Apple’s online store to place a reservation for Apple Store pickup with a specific time slot. Part of the reason for the restricted walk-in availability is Apple’s attempt to manage crowd sizes and discourage scalpers from making purchases.
This comes on the heels of reports that Apple has instructed Apple Store employees to warn customers against showing up on October 23 if they don’t have a pre-order.
Of course, users on Reddit didn’t seem amused by the warnings. Some were questioning the idea of camping in front of an Apple Store, saying it was not necessary anymore, but others seemed eager to try their luck, even though they might be late already.
Some redditors think it's already too late to go to an Apple Store. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
Pickup reservations for the iPhone Duo are still unavailable
Probably the most frustrating part of all this is the fact that Apple’s online store doesn’t allow customers to book pickup reservations for October 23. Instead, the website currently recommends customers check again on Saturday, October 24 for the Apple Store pickup options.
This makes it certain that very few people will be able to get an iPhone Duo on launch day, even if they decide to make the trip to an Apple Store, unless they have a pre-order already. Of course, Apple doesn’t acknowledge that’s an issue, and it just says that the foldable is enjoying “extraordinary” pre-order demand.
Luckily for anyone who just wants a passport-style foldable, without the months-long waiting times, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is easily available right now. Samsung’s first foldable in this form factor is also a $100 cheaper, and comes with a lighter body, even though it won’t ever support a stylus.
It shouldn’t be so difficult to buy a $2,000 smartphone
I might be a lucky person or just a patient one, but I never felt necessary to wait outside any manufacturer’s store to buy myself a smartphone. As exciting as the iPhone Duo may seem, I can’t imagine putting so much effort to get one, even if this means I’d need to wait a bit longer. I’m still a tech enthusiast, so I understand the desire to be among the first to try a new gadget very well, but I’m just too lazy to even try my luck this time around.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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