Apple Unveils iPhone Duo as Global Crowds Line Up and Retail Stock Runs Dry

Apple is officially selling the iPhone Duo today, marking the company's first venture into the foldable smartphone market with a global rollout that drew massive crowds. Store locations worldwide opened their doors to customers eager for hands-on demos and personalized shopping support. The company released images from launch events across the globe to highlight the scale of the debut.

The scale of the demand quickly collided with supply constraints. Long lines formed outside retail locations overnight as shoppers queued up hoping to purchase a device without a pre-order. Apple had previously warned that inventory would be limited at physical stores, and reports from the field indicate that walk-in availability was largely exhausted by the time many locations opened for business.

Employees at various Apple Stores are now directing disappointed shoppers to check the Apple Store app for inventory updates. The app is scheduled to update with in-store inventory details at 10 a.m. ET tomorrow, which may offer another opportunity for customers hoping to buy in person.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, is on hand at the flagship Fifth Avenue location in New York City for the launch. He is joined there by retail executive Vanessa Trigub. The gathering in Manhattan is one of several high-profile events marking the device's debut.

In Texas, Apple CEO John Ternus is leading the festivities at the Apple Domain NORTHSIDE location in Austin. He is working alongside retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. Reports indicate that Ternus toured Apple's offices in Austin earlier this week in anticipation of the release.

The Austin launch coincides with major activity in the region this weekend. The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is taking place in Austin at the same time. Apple is currently the exclusive F1 streamer in the United States, linking the launch of the new hardware with its expanding sports broadcasting efforts.

Apple's press materials describe the iPhone Duo as the first foldable iPhone, a device the company has been building toward for some time. Store teams have been offering hands-on experiences to customers throughout the day, allowing them to test the folding mechanism and screen. The device represents a significant hardware shift for the smartphone maker.

The rollout is proceeding as a major worldwide event. While physical store inventory for walk-in purchases is depleted, customers with existing online orders are able to pick up their devices at retail locations. The company has directed those looking for immediate purchase to use digital tools to locate remaining stock.