Delivery estimates for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, internally referred to as iPhone Duo, have shifted into early 2027 shortly after preorders opened at 8 a.m. ET on Friday. Current listings on Apple’s website show shipping windows beginning in late January, though the company has not updated its official timeline. In-store availability is expected to begin on October 23, when the device is slated for public launch. Apple typically allocates a limited number of units for retail release, which may allow some customers to purchase the phone sooner through physical stores.

The delay reflects a combination of strong consumer interest and constrained production capacity, according to industry analysts. Apple unveiled the Duo in September, highlighting its clamshell design that mirrors the form factor Samsung introduced earlier in the year. The base model is priced at $1,999 for 256GB storage and will be offered in "star white" and "night sky" color options. Preorders remain open through Apple’s website, though fulfillment timelines have extended beyond initial projections.

No official statement from Apple has been released regarding the cause of the delay. Observers note that the extended wait period could influence early adoption trends for foldable smartphones, a category still in its formative stages of market penetration.