If this unpleasant problem follows the iPhone Duo, I doubt I’ll even get to see it in person

You might not even get to see an iPhone Duo for quite a while.

Taking a group selfie with the iPhone Duo
Because of Apple's clever marketing, a lot of people are suddenly interested in foldables. | Image by Apple
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The iPhone Duo has a problem, Apple is only able to get so many units ready for market. Even with the strategically delayed October launch, the phone will very likely fall victim to shortages pretty quickly.



And that means that some nasty business is probably going to follow the iPhone Duo’s release.

iPhone Duo shortages




Apple insider Mark Gurman, in his newsletter Power On, predicts high demand for the iPhone Duo. Given how few units will be available for the foreseeable future, however, he believes that this means that the Duo will become a high-priority target for scalpers.

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Scalpers are likely to target Apple’s foldable


This means that the iPhone Duo will be bought up in bulk by scalpers who will then sell the phone overseas in regions that haven’t gotten the Duo. Prices for these scalped units will, expectedly, be much higher than the normal starting price of $1,999.

The iPhone Duo will also likely be found on eBay at unreasonable prices as well. In addition, Gurman reckons that the shortage will worsen as scalpers keep buying all available units and normal customers keep trying to order an iPhone Duo for themselves or a loved one.

On the other hand, many Apple fans seem to think that the iPhone Duo will not be as popular as Gurman thinks because of its cost.

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In Gurman’s defense, however, Apple’s leasing program will likely make it to other regions soon enough.

An even harder sell




If Gurman’s predictions for the iPhone Duo come true, then that will mean that the phone will become even harder to justify for most average consumers. It already starts at $1,999, which is a big ask for most people.

At prices even higher than that, many of Apple’s most die-hard fans might decide to wait for things to settle down before considering a purchase. Though it is worth noting that Apple’s phones have been doing exceptionally well since the launch of the iPhone 17, and a similar outcome might be possible for the iPhone Duo as well.



It will show off Apple’s enviable position




However, if this does come to pass, it will only prove even further that Apple’s entry into any industry changes it massively. Foldable smartphones haven’t been talked about as much as they are now with the introduction of the iPhone Duo.

Scalpers will ruin it for the rest of us, but it will undeniably make Apple a pretty penny.

Despite its issues, the iPhone Duo is very popular:

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