Bots Are Snapping Up iPhone Duo Pickup Stock Within Seconds [Report]

AI-powered bots are securing newly available iPhone Duo stock for in-store pickup within seconds, according to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

Scalpers and other buyers are using the tools to monitor Apple's website for inventory, making already scarce pickup stock harder to secure. With availability still limited, customers continue lining up outside many Apple Stores early in the morning, hoping to buy a Duo when the doors open.

Apple had originally planned a November launch in just the U.S. and China, but released the Duo on October 23 in more than 70 countries and regions, spreading the available stock across a wider rollout.

For opening weekend, roughly 80 percent of the initial inventory went to walk-in buyers, leaving 20 percent for launch-day deliveries and scheduled pickups. Stores received about 50 to 250 phones apiece, depending on their size and market.

Verizon has also missed promised delivery dates for some orders, while limited stock has delayed replacements for owners whose phones were confirmed defective. Apple has acknowledged an inner-display issue affecting a small number of units and directed affected customers to AppleCare.