On October 16, Forbes reported that initial online iPhone Duo stock in the US ran out in about 30 minutes. Citing 9to5Mac for the checkout update, Forbes said every configuration was backordered by 8:30 a.m. ET, with estimated shipping on January 25, 2027, and some estimates on January 29. Forbes’ report
For the software angle, see NeoTeo’s earlier analysis of how the iPhone Duo makes folding an iOS design challenge.
Delivery estimates varied by market
The January dates were not a single worldwide estimate. On October 16, Macwelt reported that German Apple Store estimates moved from November and December to January 25 during its checks; switching to a higher storage configuration did not bring an earlier estimate. Macitynet reported January 25 across configurations in Italy. Macwelt’s report · Macitynet’s report
Brazilian reports described a change over the same day. O Globo found an estimate starting January 22 in an early check; a later 9to5Mac report put some Brazilian estimates in early February. O Globo’s report · 9to5Mac’s report
Apple described demand as extraordinary
9to5Mac reported that Apple called initial preorder demand “nothing short of extraordinary” and said it would keep accepting online orders. That was a qualitative description; the reported January dates were shipping estimates, not a tally of orders. The reports describe a longer wait, but do not separate the effect of demand from the available launch supply.
The US estimate is therefore a dated snapshot: by 8:30 a.m. ET on October 16, every configuration was reported backordered, with January 25 estimates and some January 29. Apple’s statement said online orders would continue.
