Apple has confirmed that its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, will not be available for walk-in purchases at its retail stores in Japan and South Korea when it launches on Friday, October 23rd.
Notices posted on Apple’s localized websites for the two countries state that, for a limited time, the iPhone Duo (along with the iPhone 18 Pro Max) will be limited to customers who already have a pickup reservation. In Japan, the banner notes that customers cannot buy the newest iPhone Duo or iPhone 18 Pro Max at a nearby Apple Store without a reservation. South Korea’s notice directs people to buy online for free delivery or store pickup and states that both models cannot currently be purchased in person at Apple Stores.
The restrictions appear driven by a combination of tight supply and Apple’s longstanding efforts to limit scalping in key Asian markets. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened on October 16th, and demand was described by Apple as “nothing short of extraordinary.” Shipping estimates for many new online orders quickly slipped into late January 2027 within the first half-hour of availability. Apple has said it is working hard to fulfill orders as quickly as possible but has not released specific sales figures.
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. When closed, it is roughly passport-sized with a 5.4-inch outer Super Retina XDR display; when open, it reveals a 7.6-inch inner display that Apple says is 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The device is 5.2 mm thick when unfolded (Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet), uses a titanium frame, is IP68-rated, and runs on the A20 Pro chip. It is eSIM-only worldwide and starts at $1,999 for 256 GB in the U.S., with higher storage options available. Colors are Star White and Night Sky.
It remains unclear whether the no-walk-in policy will extend beyond Japan and South Korea. Some Apple Store staff in other markets have reportedly been advised to discourage customers without pre-orders from expecting launch-day stock, and Apple’s online store is directing people interested in in-store pickup to check back on Saturday, October 24th. Devices are expected to be on display at Apple Stores worldwide starting on launch day, but actual inventory available for spontaneous purchases appears limited.
MacDailyNews Note: Customers who already pre-ordered should monitor their delivery or pickup status. Those who have not yet ordered face significant wait times through Apple’s online store and are unlikely to find units available simply by lining up at a retail location on October 23rd in the affected countries. Apple has not publicly commented further on the duration of the restrictions or whether similar measures will apply elsewhere.
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China is of course the scalping capital of the world but it’s Apple’s second biggest market so they won’t dare offend the Reds.