Apple’s first foldable iPhone Duo sold out within seconds of its U.S. pre-order launch on Friday, leaving many buyers facing delivery delays into December. The device starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, with higher storage tiers reaching $2,599. Early reports indicate stock vanished almost immediately in China, where resellers quickly listed the phones for as much as $3,885 on resale platforms—nearly $1,900 above Apple’s official price.
Apple Store staff in China confirmed supply constraints stem from limitations in manufacturing the new hinge mechanism, resulting in an initial batch of approximately 200,000 units across all channels. This figure contrasts with earlier speculation about adequate inventory. New orders in China now face December ship dates, according to media reports from the region.
The iPhone Duo features a titanium frame and a 5.2mm-thick body when unfolded. The device runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM, delivering performance comparable to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, as shown by Geekbench 7 scores of 3,986 single-core and 11,067 multi-core points. Both screens operate at 120Hz, with the inner display using an under-screen camera and a matte, nano-texture finish. U.S. models use eSIM technology.
Apple collaborated with Samsung to design the display from the ground up, rather than sourcing an off-the-shelf panel. Engineers have discussed the hinge’s feel, screen durability, and compatibility with a stylus. Tim Cook highlighted the manufacturing process, noting the phone is entirely made in China.
Repairs could be expensive, with out-of-warranty costs reaching significant portions of the device’s value. Replacing the inner screen alone costs around $1,200, while the outer screen repair is approximately $480. Battery swaps cost $285, and other damage can reach up to $1,800, making AppleCare+ an attractive option for buyers.
The delay reflects broader supply challenges in the smartphone market, where consumer demand often outpaces production capabilities for innovative designs. Foldable phones remain a niche category, but the company’s entry signals strong interest from its customer base, particularly in markets like China where carrier loyalty programs are already rewarding early adopters.
China Unicom, for example, is offering priority access to customers who have used iPhones since 2009. A video claiming to show a retail unboxing has surfaced online, though its authenticity has not been verified.