Apple has informed customers that the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro Max will not be available for walk-in purchases at Apple Stores in Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates at launch, and will be limited to customers with a pickup reservation, according to notices posted on Apple’s localized websites for those countries.
iPhone Duo pickup restrictions and possible reasons
The notices indicate the restriction applies for a limited time when the devices launch on Friday, October 23. They suggest the policy is likely due to a mix of supply constraints and Apple’s usual anti-scalping measures in Asia and the Middle East. It is unclear if the reservation-only policy will extend to any other countries.
Pre-orders, demand and Apple’s statement
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began on Friday; within the first 30 minutes, shipping estimates for newly placed orders on Apple’s online store were pushed back to January 25. In a statement later that day, Apple said demand for the iPhone Duo was “nothing short of extraordinary” and that it was “working hard” to fulfill orders “as quickly as possible.” Apple did not disclose any specific sales figures.
Apple’s online store instructs customers interested in reserving the iPhone Duo for Apple Store pickup to check back on Saturday, October 24 for more information.
In-store display and U.S. availability questions
Apple says the iPhone Duo should be on display at Apple Stores around the world starting on Friday, October 23, but the notices do not make clear whether the device will be available to walk-in customers in the U.S. or other countries. A report by Hartley Charlton said some Apple Store managers advised employees to warn customers against attempting to purchase the iPhone Duo on a walk-in basis at launch, but that guidance was not companywide and Apple has not publicly commented on the matter.
Even if some Apple Stores do offer the iPhone Duo for walk-in customers, inventory is expected to be extremely limited at first.
