Apple’s iPhone Duo Launch Sees Swift Sell-Out Amid High Anticipation
Apple Inc’s release of the new iPhone Duo swiftly depleted its limited in-store stock, highlighting the robust enthusiasm for a foldable device commencing at an eye-watering price of nearly US$2,000 (RM8,170).
The device hit the market on Friday, reviving the familiar spectacle of enthusiastic consumers lining up overnight for the chance to be among the first to acquire it.
This launch represents a significant evolutionary leap in the iPhone’s nearly twenty-year trajectory, signaling Apple’s ambition to carve a niche within a category that has yet to achieve mainstream adoption.
Excitement for Apple’s latest offering drew crowds in locations like New York, Beijing, and Singapore. The initial turnout consisted of customers picking up their pre-orders, others hoping to snag a device through walk-in purchases, and resellers eager to capitalize on the trendy hype by reselling at a premium.
In Singapore, a throng of several hundred, including a family of seven from Myanmar who camped overnight, found themselves at the forefront of this consumer frenzy early Friday morning.
“This is the first genuine innovation Apple has unveiled in years,” remarked Peter Ingram, a chief technology officer visiting from London, who expressed his intent to purchase it upon returning to the UK. “It may be expensive, but I got to try it in-store, and it’s remarkable how it has no crease.”
Across the United States, Apple retail locations received between 50 to over 200 Duo units, which vanished in a flash.
For instance, a store in Los Angeles had completely sold out for those arriving post 6:30 am. The star white model featuring 256 gigabytes was particularly well-received, priced at US$1,999.
In recent years, the fervor of crowds during product launches has waned as Apple and its partners have managed to keep sufficient inventory for home deliveries and scheduled pickups. However, the arrival of Apple’s inaugural foldable device came with a noticeably restricted supply.
Consumers eager to place fresh orders for the Duo via Apple’s website are currently met with shipping timelines extending to late January, albeit some have experienced estimates as early as November or December.
Such delays signify some of the most prolonged wait periods observed for a new Apple product in the contemporary era.
At the Domain Northside Apple Store in Austin, patrons encountered the new CEO, John Ternus, who assumed his role last month.
Meanwhile, at the Fifth Avenue venue in New York, customers began queuing as early as 5 am, three hours before the doors officially opened for Duo purchasers.
The launch was attended by notable figures, including Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice-president of marketing, and Vanessa Trigub, the vice-president of retail stores.
In Lawrence Township, New Jersey, approximately 40 miles from Philadelphia, the 256- and 512-gigabyte configurations were sold out within the first thirty minutes, leaving the pricier one- and two-terabyte models available.
Victor Osorio, a customer present there, noted that while foldables are not an entirely novel concept, “Apple invariably introduces a unique twist and adds some flair to it.
My only concern is the hinge; I hope it won’t interfere, but it appears satisfactory thus far.” Accompanying him was his partner, Victoria, who also purchased the Duo, intrigued by its multitasking features.
Also at that location, Naveed Abubacker mentioned he trades in his iPhone annually. “Foldable technology isn’t groundbreaking, and Apple has arrived late to the game, but I’m ready to embrace it,” he stated. “If it doesn’t suit my needs, I’ll return it.”
In China, cities such as Shanghai and Beijing experienced a moderate turnout of Duo buyers, primarily comprised of loyal Apple patrons excited to explore the new design. Many were required to pre-register to secure their purchases.
“It will require some adjustment,” stated Andy Shen at Apple’s Sanlitun store in Beijing. “I opted for the Duo mainly due to its larger screen, promising an enhanced video experience, although its other functionalities do not seem to surpass those of earlier models, particularly the camera.”
As one of the most exorbitantly priced mainstream smartphones to date, the Duo has prompted inquiries regarding the extent of its demand.
Yet, shoppers in both Beijing and Singapore appeared undeterred by the steep price, captivated by the prospect of such an innovative Apple offering following several years of relatively minor updates.
The iPhone portfolio constitutes Apple’s principal revenue stream, accounting for around half of its total income.
The Duo signifies the most significant design alteration in the device’s storied history. Although the company wasn’t the vanguard in rolling out a foldable phone, it is poised to attain competitive advantage through a refined product aimed at avid Apple supporters.
Rather than a repetition of the unimpressive premiere of the Vision Pro headset nearly three years past, the Duo’s introduction seems to evoke nostalgia reminiscent of previous iPhone unveilings—when demand consistently eclipsed supply.
This trend persists even as device prices soar as high as US$3,199 for models featuring two terabytes of storage.
Notably, while the Duo’s pricing sets a benchmark for mass-market smartphones, competitors like Samsung Electronics Co, Xiaomi Corp, and Oppo have also been escalating their prices.
Shortages in memory chips and other essential components have contributed to rising costs across the consumer electronics sector.
The manufacturing complexity of the new Apple devices stems from their state-of-the-art hinge and advanced display technology.
Additionally, they are produced exclusively in a limited number of facilities situated in China. Apple has broadened production capabilities for its conventional iPhones in recent years, including expansion to India, aiding in supply enhancement.
Although Apple is scheduled to unveil its quarterly earnings on November 2, the report will not encompass Duo sales as the accounting period concluded at the end of September.
It will, however, highlight the initial sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which launched on September 18.
Other new iterations, including an entry-level iPhone and an updated Air model, are anticipated to follow in 2024, as reported by Bloomberg News.
This alteration in the release schedule represents a strategic shift intended to distribute revenue streams more evenly throughout the fiscal year.
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