Apple had introduced a “Get Ready” option ahead of the pre-order date, allowing prospective buyers to configure their purchases in advance. Customers could select their preferred device configuration and accessories, arrange trade-ins and explore financing options before the rush began. Apple said shoppers who saved their choices before the October 15 deadline could “check out with a single click” when pre-orders opened. The advance preparation was intended to make the checkout process faster, although it could not guarantee a particular delivery date or device availability.

Technology publications including The Verge and Tom's Guide also highlighted the benefit of completing these steps early, particularly if demand outpaces the initial supply. Customers who did not use the feature can still attempt to place an order when the store reopens.

The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone, bringing a foldable design to a product line that has retained a conventional smartphone form for nearly two decades. The launch follows the introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, giving Apple a foldable option alongside its traditional flagship models.

Pre-orders start October 16, with the iPhone Duo expected to hit customers’ hands and Apple Stores on October 23 in the United States and more than 70 other countries and regions, including India. The Verge reported that the foldable phone starts at $1,999 in the United States, positioning it at the premium end of Apple's smartphone range.

As pre-orders start to come in and delivery estimates start to show up, we should know if the initial supply is enough to meet demand. Those hoping to get the device on launch day should have their purchase details prepped ahead of time to help ease the process, but it does not guarantee early delivery. For Apple, the iPhone Duo is more than just another annual phone drop. This is the company’s first foray into the foldable smartphone space, and the response to the initial pre-order period is an early indication of how consumers will react to this new path.