Apple will have limited iPhone Duo units available Friday: Here’s why

In a major update, Apple announced on Wednesday that it will have a limited number of its folding iPhone Duo units available for opening-day crowds when the device launches this Friday after initial orders sold out in seconds, extending delivery times for some customers into January.

Apple said in a statement to Reuters, “On Friday morning, our teams look forward ​to welcoming customers at Apple Stores to experience iPhone Duo ​and the incredible iPhone line-up for themselves.”

“Apple Stores will ‌have ⁠limited iPhone Duo available for walk-in customers, and we’re working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible.”

Apple announced its first-ever folding phone in September, where competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have a proven history of driving premium revenue in the targeted market for years.

In contrast, iPhone Duo is also a more complex product than standard candy-bar iPhones, featuring a rigid mechanism that analysts expect will require an adaptation period for Apple to learn to manufacture it in high volumes.

Apple said the availability of walk-in units will vary by country, and limited walk-in purchase will also be available in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and across parts of the UK and Europe.

In other regions, iPhone Duo units are available to customers who have already reserved them. Apple confirmed that these regions include mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the UAE.