Apple Store goes down ahead of iPhone Duo pre-orders
Apple temporarily took its online store offline on Friday, October 16, ahead of pre-orders for its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, amid expectations that limited supplies could lead to longer delivery times.
Pre-orders are scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. Pacific Time (8 a.m. Eastern Time). The device will officially go on sale on October 23, with prices starting at $1,999 in the US.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple routinely takes its online store offline before major product launches. However, the iPhone Duo could face particularly strong demand relative to its initial supply.
Industry reports suggest Apple’s suppliers may ship approximately 7mn to 10mn units before the end of 2026. The company has not confirmed those estimates, leaving uncertainty over how quickly initial stock could sell out.
Customers were able to configure their preferred model, select storage capacity and arrange payment or trade-in options before pre-orders opened. Apple said those who saved their selections before 9 p.m. Pacific Time on October 15 could complete checkout more quickly once sales began.
What buyers need to know about the iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen, powered by Apple’s A20 Pro processor. Its redesigned hinge and matte display coating are intended to make the fold less noticeable when the device is opened.
The smartphone comes in Night Sky and Star White, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. US prices start at $1,999 and rise to $3,199 for the highest-capacity model.
Unlike Apple’s conventional flagship iPhones, the Duo uses Touch ID rather than Face ID and has a less advanced camera system than the iPhone 18 Pro models.
It will ship with iOS 27.1, featuring interface changes designed for its folding screen, including updated app layouts and controls positioned for easier one-handed use.
Apple confirmed that the first wave of sales will cover more than 70 countries and regions, including the US, UK, India, Japan and the UAE. Availability will expand to another 28 markets on October 30.
