Apple Reportedly Planned iPhone Duo Launch for Just the U.S. and China

Apple originally intended to launch iPhone Duo only in the U.S. and China before expanding to other markets, according to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

Instead, preorders opened in more than 70 countries and regions on October 16, with first deliveries scheduled for October 23. Another 28 countries and regions are due to follow on October 30.

The broader rollout spread a constrained initial supply across more markets. Delivery estimates slipped as far as late January 2027 within minutes of ordering opening, leaving customers who missed the first allocations facing a wait of more than three months.

On X, Gurman also disputed the idea that Apple had issued a company-wide instruction ruling out launch-day walk-in purchases. He allowed that managers at individual stores could have given employees that guidance.

Stores he had spoken to were still comparing the number of units expected by launch day with those allocated to preorders. He called a ruling on inventory for customers without preorders premature.

Apple also believes some shoppers who cannot get a Duo will buy an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max instead, or choose a conventional model after seeing the foldable in stores.

The phone starts at $1,999 in the U.S. It brings iPhone apps and Apple Watch support to a foldable competing with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold.