Apple Caps iPhone Duo Orders at Two Units to Combat Scalping

Key points

• Apple restricts iPhone Duo pre-orders to a maximum of two units per customer in the US, UK, Japan, and Spain.
• The limit applies regardless of the device configuration selected, with a warning message displayed if users attempt to add more units.
• Scalpers have listed units on eBay for over $5,000, driving Apple's decision to enforce these restrictions.
• While initial delivery estimates slipped to January 2027, some customers are now seeing improved dates, such as late November or early December.
• Apple previously faced similar supply constraints with the iPhone 5 in 2012 and has used purchase limits in China for other devices.

Background

The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable device priced at $1,999, faced severe supply shortages upon its October 23 launch. Pre-orders opened on October 16, with stock selling out within minutes. Apple cited 'extraordinary' demand and manufacturing challenges, leading to initial delivery estimates pushed into 2027. Retail staff were advised to discourage walk-in purchases due to lack of inventory.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac and Engadget confirm the two-unit limit is active across multiple regions, including the US, UK, Japan, and Spain. Engadget notes that some customers were able to order more than two units when pre-orders first opened on October 16, suggesting the limit was implemented later. MacRumors highlights that while the limit addresses scalping, it is unclear if Apple is effectively preventing bulk purchases through multiple accounts. 9to5Mac points out that industrial-scale scalping often uses virtual credit cards and multiple addresses, which simple quantity limits may not fully address. All sources agree that the move is a standard tactic Apple has used previously for supply-constrained devices.

Why it matters

The purchase limit aims to ensure fair distribution of a high-demand, supply-constrained product and reduce the prevalence of inflated resale prices. It reflects Apple's ongoing challenge in managing demand for its newest foldable device amid manufacturing bottlenecks.

What to watch

Apple may implement additional behind-the-scenes measures to detect and reject sophisticated bulk purchase attempts. Customers should monitor their pre-order status for potential updates to delivery dates, as some estimates are already being moved earlier. Retailers like Best Buy may offer alternative availability for those seeking earlier delivery.