Long Queues Form Worldwide as Apple Launches iPhone Duo

Ender Öztürk

October 22, 2026

Tech enthusiasts have begun forming massive queues outside Apple Stores globally as the highly anticipated iPhone Duo inches closer to its official retail release. Despite a premium starting price of $1,999, consumers are camping out for days in cities ranging from Macau to New York to secure one of Apple’s first foldable devices. The intense demand, coupled with Apple’s warnings regarding limited initial supply, has created a frenzy among early adopters. Fans are enduring long hours and inclement conditions, proving that the appetite for the brand’s latest innovation remains exceptionally strong even at a record-breaking price point.

Fans Wait Hours as Demand Exceeds Expectations

The scenes outside Apple’s global flagship locations are reminiscent of the company’s most iconic product launches from the past decade. In Macau, hundreds of individuals were spotted waiting in line two days before the doors were scheduled to open. A similar atmosphere prevails at the Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York, where dedicated fans started their vigil over 30 hours in advance. These crowds illustrate the significant consumer interest surrounding the brand’s pivot toward foldable display technology.

Apple management has remained relatively quiet regarding exact production numbers, yet the firm explicitly cautioned customers that retail inventory would be extremely scarce. This warning has only served to increase the urgency among buyers, who fear that failing to secure a unit in-store will result in months of waiting for online shipping. The sight of staff preparing large-scale models of the device in storefront windows has further fueled the excitement of those standing in the cold.

Online Inventory Depletes at Record Pace

While physical store lines capture the most attention, the digital storefront for the iPhone Duo has already faced overwhelming pressure. Following the initial product reveal during the September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event, the first wave of online orders was exhausted almost immediately. Current projections for new online purchases indicate that shipments will not reach customers until early 2027, leaving physical retail as the only viable option for those desperate to own the hardware immediately.

For those who managed to secure an online order during the first window, the delivery process has already begun. Several users have reported receiving notifications stating that their devices are currently in transit, with expected arrival dates scheduled for October 23. These lucky customers represent a small fraction of the total demand, highlighting the disparity between the massive interest and the limited initial supply chain capacity.

Design Innovation Drives Market Curiosity

The iPhone Duo represents a major technological milestone for Apple, as it is the company’s inaugural foray into the foldable smartphone segment. Industry analysts believe the high price tag reflects both the complexity of the internal engineering and the novelty of the flexible display technology. Despite the $1,999 barrier, the current enthusiasm suggests that Apple’s core audience is willing to pay a premium for hardware that pushes the boundaries of traditional smartphone design.

As the countdown continues toward the official release, the focus remains on whether Apple can manage the logistics of such a highly anticipated product. The dedication displayed by those waiting in store lines is a testament to the enduring influence of the brand, even as the market shifts toward new form factors. The coming days will reveal whether this device will set a new standard for the foldable industry or remain a luxury collectible for the most devoted enthusiasts.

Given the $1,999 price tag and the long hours spent waiting in line, do you believe the new iPhone Duo is worth the effort and investment, or would you rather wait for the second generation? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.