Apple planning huge iPhone Duo demo experiences at select retail stores: report

Apple is preparing an extensive retail rollout for its upcoming iPhone Duo, following its impending release just two weeks away. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the tech giant is deploying over a hundred demonstration units in its most prominent stores. The flagship Fifth Avenue location in New York City will house more than 150 units, spanning both interactive demonstration stations and in-store displays. Meanwhile, Apple Park's Visitor Center will feature nearly 100 units.

Additional sites like Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the Grove in Los Angeles, and Upper West Side in Manhattan will each accommodate roughly 30 to 40 units. Although smaller stores will only have around 20 units, it remains a significant enhancement considering the device's limited color options. Given the anticipated scarcity at launch, offering a multitude of hands-on demonstrations appears to be a strategic move.

Apple has also introduced a new MagSafe stand capable of holding an unfolded iPhone Duo, alongside two "standard" iPhone models, presumably the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Furthermore, there will be iPhone Duo demo units without a security tether positioned along store aisles, enabling users to experience StandBy mode and other functionalities.

Lastly, Apple Stores will feature a distinctive fixture designed to highlight the Duo's opening and closing mechanism, making it impossible to overlook when entering a store.

Overall, the iPhone Duo is set to become the centerpiece of Apple Stores post-launch on October 23rd. The limited availability means customers must act promptly upon preordering on October 16th.