Sales of Apple’s iPhone Duo began on Friday around the world, as the company that invented the smartphone debuted its first take on a foldable device, which until now has remained a relatively niche category.

The company said it planned to have limited Duo inventory on hand in Apple Stores in the UK, the US and many European countries.

In others, including France, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, customers wouldn’t be allowed to buy iPhones on a walk-in basis.

Long lines

In those stores, customers would instead be required to reserve a device for pick-up at a specific time slot at an Apple Store.

Apple restricts walk-in availability in some stores during product launches in part to manage crowd sizes and as an anti-scalping measure.

In the China-administered territory of Macau, the iPhone Duo was available only to walk-in customers on launch day, with no reservations accepted, leading to the formation of long lines hours in advance, according to social media posts and media reports.

Strong demand

After online pre-orders began on 16 October, estimated delivery dates quickly slipped to late January due to what Apple said was strong demand.

Smartphone makers such as Huawei and Samsung have sold premium foldable devices for years, but until now Apple has largely stayed with the form factor it popularised nearly 20 years ago.

The Duo has won praise for its nearly invisible hinge and sturdy build quality, but commentators also noted the lack of customised apps for the £1,999 device and hardware compromises such as the lack of facial unlocking and some camera features.