Apple limits walk-in iPhone Duo stock despite global launch crowds
Retail queues formed Friday as Apple warned that physical inventory for its first foldable device would be scarce.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
Apple opened its retail locations worldwide on Friday, October 23, to sell the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone. The launch drew large crowds to stores in multiple countries, with customers lining up overnight to secure a device in person.
Company executives split between two major markets for the unveiling. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, stood with retail executive Vanessa Trigub at the Fifth Avenue flagship in New York. In Austin, Texas, CEO John Ternus joined retail chief Deirdre O'Brien at the Domain NORTHSIDE store.
Austin hosted additional activity for Ternus earlier in the week, as he toured Apple’s local offices. The city also hosted the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix this weekend, an event Apple streams exclusively in the United States.
Apple issued a press release on Friday morning featuring photos from launch events. The document stated that employees invited shoppers to test the foldable screen and provided tailored assistance. Many customers reported finding physical shelves nearly empty upon arrival.
Apple had previously cautioned that retail inventory would be limited. Store staff reportedly directed disappointed walk-in buyers to the Apple Store app at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday to check available stock. The company’s warning proved accurate as demand outstripped immediate on-site supply.
9to5Mac asked its readers to report whether they purchased a unit or collected an online order on launch morning. The outlet collected user-submitted images from local stores to document the foot traffic and the scarcity of walk-in units.
Source: 9to5Mac
