iPhone Duo Pre-Orders Deplete in India Within Hours; Deliveries Rescheduled to January 2027
Apple’s inaugural foray into the foldable smartphone market has seen initial stock in India evaporate almost instantaneously.
Priced from ₹2,99,900, the device is now officially backordered, with new buyers now expected to wait until late January 2027 for delivery.
Those who were unable to make a purchase during the initial pre-order phase now find themselves facing a protracted wait.
Current estimates indicate that fresh orders will see shipments commencing on January 23, 2027, following a swift sell-out that occurred within mere hours of the pre-orders launching on October 16.
iPhone Duo Pre-Orders commence, Stock Disappears Rapidly
Apple initiated pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in India at 5:30 PM IST on October 16. While Apple’s online portal promptly accepted orders at the scheduled time, the listing on Flipkart soon revealed that the device was out of stock.
Although Apple initially stated that general availability would begin on October 23, that timeline now pertains solely to those who successfully secured a unit at the outset.
This scarcity in India reflects a broader global trend, where pre-orders for the iPhone Duo have outstripped supply across over 70 countries, with shipment projections also extending into 2027 in various regions.
Pricing of the iPhone Duo in India
The iPhone Duo occupies the highest echelons of Apple’s pricing hierarchy in India. The variants are priced as follows: ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model, ₹3,24,900 for the 512GB, and a substantial ₹3,74,900 for the 1TB iteration.
The flagship 2TB variant is listed at a staggering ₹4,49,900 on Apple’s India store. Color options include the sophisticated Night Sky and the elegant Star White, with the device featuring a 19.26 cm (7.6-inch) unfolded display.
In terms of comparative pricing, the base model of the Duo is ₹1,35,000 more expensive than the recently unveiled iPhone 18 Pro series, which starts at ₹1,64,900.
Incentives, Trade-Ins, and Protection Plans for the iPhone Duo
In an effort to soften the financial blow, Apple is offering several tempting incentives. Customers can enjoy discounts of up to ₹7,000 on select credit and debit cards from ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and American Express, in addition to a staggering trade-in value of up to ₹81,500.
The online store also provides flexible monthly instalment plans, starting at ₹26,574 per month for the 256GB model, accompanied by cashback and EMI options.
Additionally, customers should consider the costs associated with protection. AppleCare+ for the Duo is priced at ₹51,900, while repair fees can range significantly, from ₹5,900 to a daunting ₹2,24,900.
Implications for Consumers
The rescheduled delivery date transforms the iPhone Duo from a coveted festive item into a more mundane post-festival release for Indian consumers.
Those unwilling to endure the extensive waiting period have several alternatives at their disposal. They may explore inventory at authorized partner outlets, or they could opt for the more affordable iPhone 18 Pro series.
Furthermore, akin to trends in other markets, some consumers are gravitating towards competing foldable offerings, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
Apple has yet to disclose a timeline for when supply levels are anticipated to align with the robust demand witnessed in the Indian market.
Source link: Freepressjournal.in.
