iPhone Duo Preorders Open Friday. Will It Be Hard to Get?

Apple is increasing production of its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, ahead of its preorder launch. The update comes from a report on Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan's visit to a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou on October 11. Preorders are scheduled to open on Friday, October 16, followed by general sales on October 23. Demand is expected to be high, while initial supplies may be limited.

According to Chinese news agency CLS, Khan visited Foxconn's manufacturing complex in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on October 11. The site is a major iPhone production hub.

During his visit, he inspected the iPhone Duo assembly line, the rear camera production line for the iPhone 18 Pro, a frame anodizing workshop, and a facility that handles chip surface deposition.

CLS reported that Khan said the team was continuing to develop production and expand capacity while meeting Apple's quality standards. However, the report provided no specific production figures or shipment targets.

The expansion may point to pressure on manufacturing capacity, but Apple has not disclosed how many units will be ready when sales begin. It has also not confirmed how initial supplies will be divided between markets.

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026, as its first foldable iPhone. It has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen, powered by the A20 Pro chip. Other features include a titanium frame, IP68 protection, Touch ID instead of Face ID, and two 48MP cameras. The phone supports eSIM only.

Apple describes the Duo as its thinnest iPhone yet. Its inner display uses a nano-texture surface designed to reduce reflections and make the crease less visible. However, long-term tests will be needed to establish how well the display and hinge hold up over time.

Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro, the Duo lacks a telephoto camera and a variable aperture.

The 256GB model costs the equivalent of around $2,000, while the 512GB version comes to approximately $2,220. The 1TB model converts to roughly $2,660, and the 2TB version to about $3,310.

The term “electronic Moutai” refers to Moutai, a Chinese liquor known for being difficult to obtain. The nickname is used for products that become hard to buy at their recommended retail price because demand exceeds supply.

Leaker Whylab used the term when discussing the iPhone Duo and asking readers for their opinions. The suggestion is that getting one at launch may be difficult.

Interest could be strong, but Apple has not published figures showing the actual balance between supply and demand. Reports point to limited initial stock, although the size of that supply remains unknown.

Anyone hoping to receive the phone at launch should prepare their order in advance and place it as soon as preorders open in their region. Even then, ordering quickly does not guarantee delivery in the first batch.