Apple sent most iPhone Duo launch stock to its stores, report says
Key points
- The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable iPhone, went on sale in Apple Stores worldwide on October 23.
- Apple said only a limited number of units were available in stores on launch day.
- Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple sent about 80% of its initial supply to retail stores, leaving far less for online pre-orders.
- Online pre-orders sold out almost at once, and delivery dates slipped into January.
- Some stores got as few as 50 units, while flagship stores got about 250, according to iPhone in Canada.
- Apple has described demand as "extraordinary," and AppleInsider says manufacturer Foxconn has talked about using its international factories to build more.
Apple put most of its first iPhone Duo supply into its own stores instead of online pre-orders. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, speaking on his “Power On” podcast, says about 80% of the initial stock went to retail. He cites people close to Apple’s logistics planning. Apple has not confirmed the split.
The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, went on sale at Apple Stores worldwide on October 23. Apple said at the time that only a limited number of units would be available. The 80% figure helps explain why online pre-orders sold out almost immediately and delivery dates slipped into January. AppleInsider estimates Apple held perhaps four times more stock at retail than online on launch day. Even so, it says most people in line went home without a phone.
Stock at individual stores was thin. According to iPhone in Canada, some stores received as few as 50 units, while flagship stores had about 250. The Mac Observer notes that shoppers who showed up in person had better odds than anyone ordering online.
Apple has called demand for the iPhone Duo “extraordinary.” AppleInsider says Foxconn, which assembles the phone, has talked about using its international facilities to make more.
Sources
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