Apple has announced that, for a limited time, the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be sold only to customers with a pickup reservation at Apple Stores in Japan and South Korea, according to notices posted on the company’s localized websites for those markets. The restriction, effective at launch on October 23, is intended to curb scalping and address tight supply in Asia, though Apple has not said whether the policy will expand elsewhere.
Pre‑orders for the iPhone Duo opened on Friday, and within the first half‑hour shipping estimates on Apple’s online store were pushed back to January 25. In a later statement Apple described demand for the device as “nothing short of extraordinary” and said it is “working hard” to fulfill orders as quickly as possible, while declining to disclose any specific sales figures.
The online store advises interested buyers to check back on Saturday, October 24 for reservation details. Although the iPhone Duo will be on display at Apple Stores around the world starting October 23, it remains unclear if walk‑in purchases will be permitted in the United States or other countries; some store managers have reportedly warned employees against allowing walk‑ins, but this was not a company‑wide directive.
Our own Hartley Charlton reported that some Apple Store managers advised employees to warn customers against attempting to purchase the iPhone Duo on a walk‑in basis at launch, but this was not companywide communication and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Even if a few locations do make the device available without a reservation, inventory is expected to be extremely limited during the initial launch window.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing