Apple set for UK legal fight over iPhone tap-to-pay rules

Apple's highly-anticipated foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has seen a strong initial launch but is already facing backorders until 2027. The company unveiled the device during its fall media event on September 9, positioning it as a competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. The iPhone Duo boasts a 7.6-inch folding display, runs on an A20 Pro SoC manufactured by TSMC on a 2nm process node, and comes in two colors at a starting price of $1,999.

Pre-orders opened minutes after the announcement, but delivery windows quickly extended to late January, and now Apple customers can expect to wait at least three months to receive their new device. Some speculated that the high price point might hurt the phone's appeal, but delayed shipments seem to suggest otherwise. However, the availability of the Duo is still uncertain, with a recent report alleging production challenges at Foxconn leading to low yields and quality issues.

Despite the initial hurdles, Counterpoint Research anticipates that Apple will sell six million iPhone Duos by the end of 2026 – a strong showing for a device with such a limited production window. The foldable market is also expected to grow, with IDC projecting a 12.6% increase to 22.9 million units sold this year, and nearly 27 million by the end of next year.

For those unable to secure a launch-day unit, Apple retail stores and wireless carriers may still have remaining inventory, while third-party marketplaces like eBay could offer alternatives at a premium price.