Apple Staff Told to Discourage iPhone Duo Walk-Ins

Apple has advised some retail employees to discourage customers without preorders from visiting stores for the iPhone Duo’s October 23 launch, saying walk-in stock will likely be unavailable. The guidance, relayed by Apple Store employees, reflects limited supply after strong preorder demand. Apple has not publicly confirmed whether any stores will have units for walk-in buyers, and it is unclear how widely the staff advice applies or how firmly it will be enforced. Apple’s U.S. online store showed estimated shipping dates of January 25, 2027, for every iPhone Duo configuration within about 30 minutes of preorders opening on October 16. Those estimates concern online orders and do not establish what may be available at stores or through other sellers. The online store advises customers to check back on October 24 for possible in-store pickup availability. The message does not guarantee that devices will be in stock. Pickup reservations were briefly offered when preorders opened before the option was disabled. Apple said in a statement to the Financial Times that demand for the device was “nothing short of extraordinary” and that it was working to get devices to customers...