The scarcity applies across a broad list of markets, including the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Some Apple Stores in Italy may also have a modest allocation, though Apple has not specified which locations will receive any stock. In Macau, walk‑in sales will be restricted to the first day of opening, and inventory there is expected to be especially thin.
The situation becomes more restrictive in several other regions. In France, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, Apple will not permit any walk‑in purchases on the launch day. Shoppers in those markets must secure a pickup slot through Apple’s online reservation system. The system currently directs users to check back on Saturday, October 24, leaving uncertainty about whether a reservation can be completed on the day of release itself.
Apple attributes the tighter controls to two main concerns: managing crowd size and deterring scalpers. To curb opportunistic resale, the company has capped purchases at two iPhone Duo units per customer. While pre‑order customers will see their shipping dates moved up after the device’s timeline was pulled forward from a January launch, the limited walk‑in stock means that many eager buyers may have to rely on the reservation process or consider alternative purchasing options.
The iPhone Duo itself sports a 7.6‑inch foldable display with a resolution of 1878 × 2670 pixels, promising a larger screen experience when unfolded and a more compact form factor when folded. As the launch approaches, consumers should weigh the appeal of an immediate in‑store purchase against the likelihood of securing a unit through Apple’s digital channels.
