The iPhone Duo has reportedly been difficult to obtain since launch, with limited supply widely considered the main reason. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has identified several additional factors that may have contributed to the shortages.
According to Gurman, Apple may have brought the foldable iPhone to market earlier than planned. The company allegedly intended to launch it in November, initially limiting availability to the United States and China. Other markets were expected to receive the device later, potentially extending into 2027.
This timetable would have left Apple less prepared to meet demand. The company described the number of people trying to buy the iPhone Duo as “nothing short of extraordinary,” according to the report.
Apple also reportedly prioritized physical stores over online sales. Around 80% of its initial iPhone Duo inventory was allegedly reserved for walk-in purchases during the first sales weekend. As a result, delivery slots and store pickups sold out within minutes after pre-orders opened.
Individual stores reportedly received between 50 and 250 units, depending on their size and location. Higher-capacity models and blue versions were particularly difficult to find, with some buyers potentially needing to arrive before stores opened to have a chance of purchasing one.
The shortage may have been intensified by scalpers using bots to track Apple’s website and purchase available stock, including devices released for in-store pickup. The decision to favor physical stores may have been intended to reduce automated purchases, but the strategy appears to have remained vulnerable to large-scale reservations.
The report also highlights a lack of transparency around availability, which has made the buying process more difficult. For now, prospective buyers may need to wait for Apple, carriers and major retailers to replenish their inventory, while monitoring store pickup options closely. Buying from resellers at inflated prices would only reinforce the behavior contributing to the shortage.
Sources: Tom's Guide.