--- title: "iPhone Duo Launch Marred by Sellouts and Long Lines" url: https://newscentral.site/iphone-duo-launch-marred-by-sellouts-and-long-lines/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-23T12:33:45.000Z updated: 2026-10-24T03:44:13.847Z id: 1dcf0625-644a-4f7e-bba4-ba6fa5223c98 source: "CNET https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-duo-lines-at-apple-store-sold-out-2/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/iphone-duo-launch-marred-by-sellouts-and-long-lines/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # iPhone Duo Launch Marred by Sellouts and Long Lines The highly anticipated iPhone Duo made its debut in stores on Friday, but what unfolded was a chaotic scene of long lines and sellouts at various Apple locations across the globe. In New York's 5th Avenue, the line started forming as early as Wednesday morning by 9 a.m. ET, two days before the launch, with over 50 people waiting patiently in line by Thursday evening at 7 p.m. ET. Some individuals even resorted to using buckets as placeholders, indicating their position in line. At Apple's Oxmoor Center location in Louisville, Kentucky, the store opened its doors at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday morning, but CNET reporters witnessed a long queue of more than 40 people waiting outside three hours prior. As soon as the store opened, Apple employees began taking orders for the phone. However, it didn't take long for the first reports of sellouts to emerge, with the 256GB iPhone Duo being one of the first models to run out of stock at around 7:27 a.m. ET. The preorders for the new iPhone Duo began hours ahead of schedule as Apple store employees started taking orders to pick up the phone at 7 a.m. ET. However, this early start was short-lived as stores quickly sold out before doors opened. At some locations, lines were dismissed after just over an hour due to sellouts. This included the Apple store at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington, New York, where employees announced that they had run out of stock by 7:30 a.m. ET. The first person in line on Thursday morning was able to preorder the phone. Other stores were also experiencing long lines and high demand. In San Francisco, the Apple Union Square store saw crowds forming down the block and around the building as of 11 a.m. ET. People were waiting patiently for their chance to get their hands on the new iPhone Duo. In some cases, those who didn't preorder the phone still managed to wait in line at stores like the one at University Village in Seattle. Unfortunately for them, it sold out within just 15 minutes of opening its doors. The iPhone Duo launch also drew attention from Apple's leadership, with new CEO John Ternus making an appearance at the Austin, Texas store. This might be due to the city hosting a major Formula 1 race this weekend, which will be streamed on Apple TV. The iPhone Duo's release has been met with high demand and limited supply, causing long lines and sellouts at stores. The phone's unique features, such as split-screen capabilities and Apple Pencil support, have contributed to its appeal. However, these same features may also be contributing to the device's premium feel, which is reflected in its price tag. Reviews of the iPhone Duo have praised its cohesive design and intuitive user experience. While some critics have noted that the phone's high price may limit its broader appeal, others have seen it as a worthwhile investment for those who value innovative technology. The addition of features like Touch ID and an under-display inner camera has added to the device's premium feel. The iPhone Duo's availability remains scarce, with many stores struggling to keep up with demand. Apple has implemented a limit of two devices per person per day, marking a rare move by the company to cap purchases. This restriction is likely intended to prevent resellers from taking advantage of the phone's high price and limited supply. As the iPhone Duo continues to be in short supply, it remains unclear when Apple will restock its stores or provide more information about the device's availability. With major events like the Formula 1 race streaming on Apple TV this weekend, demand for the iPhone Duo is likely to remain strong. To avoid lengthy wait times for the iPhone Duo, consumers can try ordering on Apple's website and opting for in-store pickup. This method allows customers to get their device sooner than relying solely on shipping estimates. However, availability will be confirmed on October 24. Availability checks may reveal that the phone is available for immediate pickup at a nearby store, potentially beating estimated shipping times of up to January 29 in some areas. The iPhone Duo's strong demand shows no signs of slowing down following its release last Friday. --- Source: [CNET](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-duo-lines-at-apple-store-sold-out-2/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/iphone-duo-launch-marred-by-sellouts-and-long-lines/