Apple will limit launch-day walk-in purchases of its first foldable iPhone to selected markets, leaving customers in 10 countries and territories to order online for store pickup.
The no-walk-in list covers France, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. Apple says customers in those markets must place orders online before collecting the phone at a store.
Apple lists walk-in stock in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the U.K. Some Apple Stores in Italy are included. Macao will have limited inventory, with purchases available in person only.
Apple said store availability for walk-in customers would be “limited,” but did not give quantities by location. The policy applies to fewer markets than the phone’s overall launch: Apple scheduled availability in more than 70 countries and regions for Oct. 23, followed by 28 additional markets on Oct. 30.
Reuters reported that initial online orders sold out within minutes and that some delivery estimates reached January 2027; EconoTimes previously covered Morgan Stanley’s iPhone Duo lead-time estimate.
Reuters also cited analysts who said the phone’s tightly fitted hinge could take time to manufacture at higher volumes. Apple has not said that the hinge caused the limited launch stock. The iPhone Duo has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display; its U.S. starting price is $1,999.
Apple’s next scheduled expansion is Oct. 30, when the phone is due to become available in 28 more countries and regions.
