The launch of Apple’s first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, has triggered a shopping frenzy across the UAE, leaving many consumers facing significant delivery delays. While pre-orders officially kicked off on October 16 with an initial release date of October 23, the surge in demand caused availability windows to vanish almost instantly. Many hopeful buyers, like JLT-based financial professional Emaad Khayyam, found that delivery dates shifted from weeks to months within minutes, with some now facing a wait until January 2027 to receive their new handsets.

Despite the extended timeline, the enthusiasm for Apple’s latest innovation remains undeterred. While a lucky few managed to secure early slots by acting the moment the portal opened, many others—including those purchasing gifts for special occasions—were forced to settle for December or January delivery dates. Industry experts suggest this massive appetite for the new foldable model could drive a lucrative secondary market, as some impatient buyers are already reportedly willing to pay premiums of up to Dh2,500 to bypass the official waitlist and secure a device on launch day.