Apple's first foldable iPhone has a firm timeline. Here are the confirmed dates, what each one means for you, and what usually happens to stock around them.
The confirmed dates
- 9 September 2026: announcement. Apple introduced the iPhone Duo at its autumn event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro line-up. It was the headline product: Apple's first foldable iPhone.
- 16 October 2026: pre-orders. Pre-orders opened at 5am Pacific Time (8am Eastern, 1pm in the UK). As in previous years, Apple used a queue on its online store, and reports said delivery dates began slipping quickly as demand built.
- 23 October 2026: release day. The iPhone Duo goes on sale in the US and more than 70 other countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Singapore and the UK.
- 30 October 2026: second wave. Apple said the iPhone Duo would launch in 28 more countries and regions a week later.
Dates and times are from Apple's announcements and coverage by MacRumors and AppleInsider. Check Apple's website for your country, as regional details can change.
What "release day" means for stock
Release day is when pre-orders start arriving and Apple Stores begin selling to walk-in and pickup customers. Stores typically receive stock for launch morning. That is why we say Apple Stores receive stock every day, including launch day morning.
If you did not get a pre-order in, launch day is not a lost cause. Pickup availability at individual stores can appear on the morning of 23 October and in the days after.
What happens after launch
After the first week, pattern varies by country and configuration. Some sizes and colours catch up quickly; others stay scarce for weeks. Online delivery estimates are a single queue, while store stock changes daily. If your delivery date looks a long way off, pickup is worth watching.
Second-wave countries
If your country is in the 30 October wave, the same approach applies a week later. Your local Apple website will show pre-order and release timing. iPhone Duo Finder covers Apple Store countries where we can verify the iPhone Duo is listed and Apple's pickup availability works. We add countries as they go live.
How to be ready on the day
- Pick your configuration now. Four capacities (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB) and two colours (Star White, Night Sky). See colours and storage.
- Sign in to your Apple Account on the device you will use, with payment details saved.
- Choose one or two stores you can realistically get to.
- Set up an alert. We email you as soon as your store shows pickup stock: £5 for any configuration, or £10 for yours.
For a full launch-day plan, read how to get an iPhone Duo on launch day.
Quick reference
- Announced: 9 September 2026
- Pre-orders: 16 October 2026, 5am PT
- On sale: 23 October 2026 (US, UK and 70+ countries and regions)
- Second wave: 30 October 2026 (28 more countries and regions)
- US starting price: $1,999 (256GB)