Apple's highly anticipated foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, officially goes on sale in India today, October 23. While enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on the innovative device, initial availability is expected to be extremely limited, with estimates suggesting only around 6,000 units will reach India in the first week.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began on October 16, with Apple implementing a strict limit of two units per customer for online orders due to anticipated delivery delays. This restriction, coupled with the limited initial stock, means securing a device on launch day could prove challenging for many consumers.
Early Store Openings & Purchase Options
To accommodate the launch, Apple's six retail stores across India will open earlier than usual today, at 8 AM. However, potential buyers planning to walk in and purchase the iPhone Duo directly may need to reconsider. Reports indicate that India is among the markets where the device will primarily be available for in-store pickup of online orders, rather than immediate walk-in purchases.
Customers can place an order through Apple’s official website and select an available pickup option, though stock will be subject to real-time availability at checkout. The special store hours, which extend until 10 PM (or 9:30 PM for Apple Koregaon Park in Pune), may also see some services, such as Genius Bar appointments, temporarily unavailable.
Apple Stores in India:
- Apple Saket, New Delhi
- Apple Noida, DLF Mall of India
- Apple Hebbal, Bengaluru
- Apple BKC, Mumbai
- Apple Borivali, Mumbai
- Apple Koregaon Park, Pune
Pricing and Anticipated Shortages
The iPhone Duo comes with a premium price tag, starting at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model. The 512GB variant is priced at ₹3,24,900, while the top-tier 1TB version will cost ₹3,74,900. These prices reflect Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market.
The constrained supply of approximately 6,000 units for the first week is already contributing to concerns about shortages and potential grey-market activity. Some reports suggest that unofficial sellers are asking for premiums of up to ₹50,000 above the official retail price, highlighting the high demand and limited stock.
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to check the latest delivery estimates and confirm local availability through Apple's website before visiting a store, as the purchase limit does not guarantee immediate delivery or in-store stock.