Apple's iPhone Duo preorder page shows January 25 ship date

Apple's iPhone Duo preorder page is now displaying a ship date of January 25, indicating that customers will have to wait over three months for their device.

This estimate applies to every configuration, including various color options, storage capacities, and carrier choices, meaning that there is no way to avoid the delay by opting for a less popular combination.

Preorders for the iPhone Duo began today at 5am PT/8am ET, but it did not take long for the backlog to kick in. By 5:30am PT, Apple's online store was already showing a shipping delay to January 25 for all configurations.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for a model with 256GB of storage and rises to $3,199 for the top-of-the-line 2TB option, which is also available in two color variants: Star White and Night Sky black.

The wait time for a new iPhone has reached a record high, with Apple's preorders facing delays of three months or more.

This situation is not unprecedented, as previous iPhones have also experienced shipping delays in the past. In 2016, preorders for the iPhone 7 Plus were delayed by around two months, while those who ordered the iPhone X in 2017 had to wait five to six weeks for their device.

One reason for this record wait time may be that Apple underestimated initial demand for the new iPhone Duo. However, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, limited supply is the primary factor at play here.

Gurman points to "extraordinary supply chain constraints" as the main issue affecting production of the Duo. Just a couple of months ago, Apple had feared it might not be able to launch the new iPhone until later in November due to these constraints.

The complexity of manufacturing the foldable design of the Duo is also contributing to the supply shortage. Reports suggest that some components have experienced high failure rates during production, restricting the number of devices that can be completed and shipped.

The limited inventory of the iPhone Duo has been a major concern for those eagerly awaiting its release. Despite this challenge, Apple is reportedly managing to meet its initial production goals, allowing for some stock to be made available this month.

For consumers who missed out on preordering from Apple or are not among the first in line, alternative options exist. Preorders can also be placed through major carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, which may offer shorter wait times compared to Apple's estimates.

AT&T is currently listing a ship date of November 9 or December 1 for certain configurations and colors. Meanwhile, Verizon promises delivery between November 6 and December 4. T-Mobile customers can expect their iPhone Duo to arrive between October 23 and November 3.

In addition to carrier preorders, retailers like Best Buy are also offering preorders with estimated shipping times ranging from October 23 to November 3. This provides consumers with more flexibility in acquiring the new phone.

Consumers who prefer an in-store purchase may still be able to obtain an iPhone Duo at their local Apple store when it goes on sale in the US on Friday, October 23.

If you're eager to get your hands on an iPhone Duo but are concerned about availability, there's a silver lining - carriers and third-party retailers may have better luck in stock than Apple directly. However, it's essential to arrive early at these stores to increase your chances of securing the desired model.

The same caution applies when purchasing from carrier and third-party stores as it does with Apple. Be prepared to wait in line and hope that they have the specific iPhone Duo model you're after in stock. If this option doesn't appeal, an alternative is the iPhone 18 Pro, which was a viable choice for those seeking a high-end experience.

For those unwilling to wait until 2027 or unable to secure an iPhone Duo through various channels, the iPhone 18 Pro remains a viable option. Apple's website allows you to place orders and receive your device by the end of the month, while local stores may still have inventory available for immediate purchase.