Preorders for Apple's first foldable iPhone start today as demand surges
Category: Business
Apple has temporarily taken its online store offline on October 16, 2026, in preparation for the eagerly awaited preorder launch of the iPhone Duo, the company's first foldable iPhone. This move is part of Apple's traditional approach to major product launches, allowing the company to finalize updates to its online storefront before orders begin. Preorders for the iPhone Duo will open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time (8 a.m. Eastern Time) today, with expectations of high demand and limited supply.
The Apple Store went offline early this morning, displaying a familiar message that reads, "We love that early energy," along with a promise that the store will return soon. This downtime precedes the opening of preorders for the iPhone Duo, which was announced during the "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, 2026. Apple has set the launch date for the device on October 23, 2026, when it will also become available in Apple Stores across more than 70 countries.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display when closed, making it a unique addition to Apple's product lineup. It is powered by Apple’s latest A20 Pro chip and offers Touch ID instead of the more commonly used Face ID for biometric security. The device will be available in two colors: Night Sky and Star White, with multiple storage options including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The starting price for the iPhone Duo is set at $1,999 in the United States and £1,999 in the UK.
Reports indicate that Apple has faced production issues in manufacturing the iPhone Duo, with assembly yields slightly above 60% as of mid-September. This has raised concerns about the availability of the device during its initial launch period. To address these challenges, Apple has reportedly increased its orders for the iPhone Duo by 30% in anticipation of high demand. Analysts expect that Apple will ship approximately 7-10 million units for the remainder of 2026, but the company may still struggle to meet demand in the early days.
The preorder process has been enhanced by a special "Get Ready" feature that allowed customers to select their preferred color, storage capacity, and carrier details from October 12 until late on October 15. This initiative was aimed at streamlining the ordering process and reducing wait times for eager customers. Those who participated in the advance configuration will likely have an easier experience when the preorder window opens.
For those who did not take advantage of the "Get Ready" feature, the competition will be fierce once the store reopens. The iPhone Duo is expected to attract considerable attention, and it’s likely that initial stock will sell out quickly. Apple has reserved some inventory for its physical retail stores, where the iPhone Duo will also be available for demonstration starting on launch day, October 23.
Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market is seen as a potential game-changer, especially considering that foldable devices currently represent a small fraction of total smartphone sales. The company’s reputation for quality and innovation could help shift consumer perceptions and boost sales within this niche segment. With the launch of the iPhone Duo, Apple aims to set new standards for foldable devices, incorporating features such as a minimal crease design facilitated by a custom hinge and a nano-texture matte finish on the inner display.
As the countdown to the preorder launch continues, customers in various regions—including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.—are gearing up to place their orders. The anticipation surrounding the iPhone Duo reflects not just excitement for a new device, but also the broader trends in smartphone technology.
As the world watches, Apple is set to make a bold statement with the iPhone Duo, blending innovative technology with sleek design. With such high expectations, how well the company can meet demand and deliver on quality is uncertain.