Apple is preparing a large in-store push for the iPhone Duo, but buyers may find stock tight, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. His reporting, relayed by MacRumors on October 11, describes how Apple Stores are being set up ahead of the foldable's arrival. These are reported details, not Apple announcements.
What stores are reportedly getting
Gurman says Apple will dedicate a section of its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York to the iPhone Duo. Most other locations are said to be adding a spotlight table built on Apple's white display tables with central posts, plus a new fixture that shows the phone folding and unfolding.
Shoppers should also be able to try StandBy on phones that are not tethered to displays, and a MagSafe stand will reportedly hold one open iPhone Duo next to two conventional iPhones for size comparison.
Stores are also said to be receiving "Presto" machines adapted for the device. According to the report, these can install software updates without opening the box and add the buyer's name to the greeting that appears at first startup. Gurman previously reported that the personalized greeting would be offered in U.S. stores in English and Spanish.
Demo units
The report puts demo-unit counts at more than 150 for Fifth Avenue and nearly 100 for the Apple Park Visitor Center. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, The Grove in Los Angeles and the Upper West Side store in Manhattan are expected to have roughly 30 to 40 each, while other stores would average about 20.
Supply remains the question
Gurman writes that supply is tighter than Apple anticipated. Roughly two months before his report, he said production constraints could push sales to later in November. Apple has since built enough inventory for an October release, he says, but stock is still expected to stay limited.
What Apple has confirmed
Apple's own newsroom page says pre-orders open on Friday, October 16, at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on apple.com and in the Apple Store app. Customers who saved a configuration to their bag before 9 p.m. PT on October 15 can check out with one click. Apple lists the iPhone Duo with a 5.4-inch outer display, a 7.58-inch inner display, the A20 Pro chip and a dual-battery design. The company has said the phone starts at $1,999 and goes on sale October 23.
Apple has not commented on stock levels or on the store setup described by Bloomberg. Anyone planning to buy in person on launch day may want to check availability with a local store before heading out.
0 comments