Can’t buy iPhone Duo? Bots snap up available stock in seconds, Bloomberg says

Scalpers and other buyers are using AI-powered bots to secure scarce iPhone Duo stock within seconds, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote. The automated purchases add another obstacle for shoppers trying to buy Apple’s much-hyped foldable phone.

Writing in his Power On newsletter, Gurman said AI tools monitor Apple’s website and snap up newly available devices for collection at its stores. His report does not quantify how much stock this method buys.

The online scramble comes as customers continue queuing outside Apple Stores early in the morning, hoping to find a phone when the doors open. The Duo launched on October 23, starting at $1,999.

The shortages also show how Apple allocated its launch stock. Roughly 80% of inventory at launch was reserved for walk-in purchases on opening weekend, and 20% for deliveries and scheduled pickups on launch day, Gurman said.

Read more: Apple’s iPhone Duo sells out in minutes as deliveries slip to 2027

Too few phones, too many buyers

Stores received approximately 50–250 devices each, depending on their size and market. Even customers willing to queue therefore faced limited chances of securing their preferred model.

Gurman also reported that Apple originally planned a November launch limited to the US and China before bringing the release forward.

Read more: Apple explores a telephoto camera and larger display for future iPhone Duo models

The inventory squeeze extends beyond new purchases. Some owners whose screens cracked have been unable to obtain immediate replacements, even after Apple confirmed their devices were defective, he reports.