Foldable iPhone Launch Draws Crowds but Supply Falls Short

Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, launched globally on Friday, drawing strong customer interest despite its high price and limited supply. The device's constrained availability prevented the massive launch-day crowds typically seen with previous iPhone releases. Demand was solid in cities like Singapore, Shanghai, London, and San Francisco, but limited stock meant fewer overnight queues. Pre-orders sold out within minutes, pushing delivery estimates to late January, which Apple described as "more than extraordinary." The company has restricted purchases to two phones per customer, with some markets requiring online pre-orders for pickup. The launch is a key test for Apple in the foldable market, where rivals Samsung and Huawei have competed for years. It also marks an early challenge for new CEO John Turner, who unveiled the device less than a week after taking office in September. Early reviews praised the design and hinge but noted camera limitations and app compatibility issues.