Launch Day: Apple's first foldable sells out quickly in stores
Walk-in buyers at global Apple Stores were told to check the app for inventory as physical stock ran low on Friday.
By Lucas Murphy ·
Apple's first foldable smartphone hit retail shelves on Friday, October 23, with lines forming outside stores in multiple countries.
The iPhone Duo was released globally on that day, prompting crowds to gather at locations where employees offered hands-on demonstrations. Apple released official photos from the launch in various cities, while users shared their own images from local outlets. Senior leaders attended key venues to mark the debut. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, visited the flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York alongside retail executive Vanessa Trigub. Apple CEO John Ternus was present at the Domain NORTHSIDE location in Austin, Texas, with retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. Ternus had toured Apple's Austin offices earlier in the week, and the city hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix that weekend, an event for which Apple serves as the exclusive US streamer.
Apple had warned customers beforehand that walk-in inventory would be limited. That scarcity became apparent as the morning progressed. Store employees told disappointed shoppers to check the Apple Store app at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday for details on available stock. The company invited readers to report whether they visited a store on launch morning to buy a unit or pick up an online order, and whether they succeeded in securing one.
The initial sales figures indicate strong demand for the new device despite the restricted in-store supply.
Source: 9to5Mac
