Those who want to order the iPhone Duo on launch day don't have to wait until October 16th to set everything up. Apple is opening pre-orders four days earlier, including in the German store. For a device that's likely to be in short supply at launch, this could make all the difference.
The iPhone Duo will be the last of the fall iPhones to hit stores. Pre-orders begin on Friday, October 16th, with deliveries starting on October 23rd. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are among the first countries to receive it; all specifications, prices, and delivery dates for the iPhone Duo have been known since its announcement.
Apple has also set a firm date for the pre-order period. The purchase page for the iPhone Duo in the German Apple Store states that pre-orders can be prepared starting October 12th. Orders themselves will open on October 16th at 2 PM CEST.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Starting Monday, October 12th, you can prepare to pre-order the iPhone Duo in the Apple Store app and the online store.
- The actual pre-order period begins on Friday, October 16th, at 2 pm CEST.
- Delivery will begin on October 23rd, in Germany from €2,299, in Switzerland from CHF 1,999.
- Limited quantities are expected at launch.
What can be set in advance
Apple regularly offers this pre-launch feature for major iPhone releases; in the store, it's called "Get Ready." In the Apple Store app and the online store, you can select the model, color, and storage capacity, as well as your payment method and delivery address.
On October 16th, all that's left to do is submit the prepared order. This saves the data entry that would otherwise be required in the first few minutes after launch.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday, October 12 | Prepare pre-order |
| Friday, October 16, 2 p.m. CEST | Pre-orders start |
| Friday, October 23 | Delivery and sales in retail |
Why the preliminary run counts more in the duo
The first batch of iPhone Duos is likely to sell out quickly. As early as mid-September, there were reports of limited availability for pre-orders. Most recently, sources within the supply chain indicated that final assembly was only achieving a yield of around 60 percent.
Those who order within the first few minutes have the best chance of receiving a device by October 23rd. Every entry completed within that timeframe shortens the path to order confirmation.
Check beforehand, not just on Friday
I expect delivery times to be pushed back significantly as early as October 16th. The reasons for this are well-known: a new device, an unusually long start-up phase, and a production process that isn't yet running smoothly.
I therefore consider it essential for everyone who wants to have the Duo at launch to take advantage of the lead time starting October 12th. This also includes checking your mobile phone contract: The Duo will only be delivered with an eSIM in this country as well. Anyone currently using a physical SIM should clarify the switchover before the delivery date.
The duo start is getting closer
The pre-launch phase, beginning on October 12th, marks the start of the final stage of a launch that began on September 9th. There are 44 days between the announcement and the start of sales for the Duo, more than for the other fall iPhones.
Are you going to assemble your duo on October 12th – or would you rather wait for the first reviews before spending €2,299 on a foldable iPhone? Let us know your calculations in the comments.
