Apple iPhone Duo Walk-In Inventory Vanishes

Apple sold 23,000 units of its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday, October 23, as walk-in inventory at retail stores disappeared.

The device went on sale at Apple Store locations globally on that date. Crowds gathered outside outlets in many countries. Apple had warned beforehand that in-store inventory would be limited. That warning proved accurate as shoppers found shelves emptying quickly.

Senior company leaders attended launch events in different cities. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, visited the Fifth Avenue store in New York with retail executive Vanessa Trigub. Apple CEO John Ternus was at the Domain NORTHSIDE store in Austin, Texas, alongside retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. Ternus had toured Apple offices in Austin earlier in the week. Austin is also hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix this weekend. Apple serves as the exclusive F1 streamer in the US.

Queues formed overnight at stores around the world. People waited to secure a walk-in purchase or pick up an online order. Store employees told disappointed shoppers to check the Apple Store app on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. That check would show available stock in specific locations. Employees offered hands-on demonstrations and tailored shopping help to the crowds.

Apple published photos of the launch from various cities in a press release issued Friday morning. Readers of 9to5Mac shared images from their local stores. The company invited readers to report whether they visited a store on launch morning. They asked if they bought the phone or collected an order. They also asked if they were able to get one.