iPhone Duo Brings Back Long Lines at Apple Stores

In the early years of iPhone launches, long lines would form at Apple Stores around the world, but those queues gradually became a thing of the past amid the rise of online pre-orders. At least, until the iPhone Duo launched today.

Apple Domain NORTHSIDE in Austin, Texas today

iPhone Duo fever is real today, with queues having formed at many Apple Stores around the world, based on comments and photos shared on the MacRumors Forums and social media platforms. Anywhere from dozens to hundreds of people lined up at the stores on Friday morning or even a day or two earlier for a chance to buy the iPhone Duo.

Apple’s CEO John Ternus and retail chief Deirdre O’Brien visited Apple Domain NORTHSIDE in Austin, Texas, likely because F1’s U.S. Grand Prix is taking place there this weekend and Apple TV is the exclusive U.S. streaming partner of F1.

Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak and vice president of retail stores Vanessa Trigub greeted customers at Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City.

View all 16 photos in the full article →

Apple said the iPhone Duo would be available on a “limited” basis for walk-in customers in the U.S. and select other countries today, but it expected supply to sell out quickly due to “extraordinary” pre-order demand for the device. Indeed, some locations have now sold through their walk-in inventory for launch day, so your mileage may vary.

Apple Store pickup was very briefly an option when iPhone Duo pre-orders began last Friday, but the system has been unavailable ever since. In most countries, Apple’s online store says to check back on Saturday, October 24 regarding Apple Store pickup, but we do not know exactly what time reservations will resume at, so make sure to check Apple’s website early and often tomorrow if you are still trying to secure an iPhone Duo.

Below, we have rounded up some photos and videos of Apple Store queues today.

Line outside Apple Fifth Avenue around 4:15 AM for iPhone Duo https://t.co/nqpuc3qo41

— Mina Gawargious (@MinaGawargious) October 23, 2026

made it to Union Square!!! I’m like 25th in line and there are people here with actual couches 😂

apple store network is connected, time to Claude baby 😎 https://t.co/sqSVnhLUXj

— that tech and photography dude (@sonyaseventhree) October 23, 2026

In line here in Utah. About 20 people in front of me. And as I arrived about 50 people piled in behind me. Let’s see how this goes https://t.co/xRbnyY98nk

— Matt Gonzalez (@mattdgonzalez) October 23, 2026

Line for the iPhone Duo at Apple in Boulder, CO.

These are everyone without preorders. The Apple employee said they had enough units for everyone!

I’m the first pickup of the day 😁 https://t.co/NSyZaFct2i

— Stetson Doggett (@stetsondoggett) October 23, 2026

Good morning from the walk-in line at Apple Store Kahala in Honolulu, Hawaii. There’s about 30

customers in line so far. I’m number 13. #iPhoneDuo #launchday https://t.co/2KpF9sW4lN

— Jonathan Sugai (@jsugai) October 23, 2026

The line for Apple’s first foldable iPhone stretched outside the Apple Store at the Domain Northside this morning! Would you wait in line for one? https://t.co/6WmLcyDAnA

— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) October 23, 2026