Apple's iPhone Duo sees 70% surge in pre-order demand, inventory concerns rise

Apple’s new iPhone Duo has sparked a flood of pre‑order requests within hours of its launch on Tuesday, prompting the company to warn that initial inventory may run out before the end of the week. The dual‑screen handset, priced at $1,299, is the first iPhone to feature two independently usable displays, one on the front and a thinner, fold‑over panel on the back. Retailers in the United States, Europe and China reported a 70 percent surge in traffic to the product page, and Apple’s online store displayed a “limited stock” notice by Thursday morning.

The surge comes after years of speculation that Apple would finally bring a true dual‑screen device to market. Earlier this year, Apple’s supply chain partners confirmed that a new form factor was in development, and analysts noted that the iPhone market was plateauing, with many users looking for novel ways to boost productivity on a single device. The iPhone Duo’s design aims to capture power users and professionals who want to run two apps side by side without a tablet. Competitors such as Samsung and Huawei have already released foldable phones, but Apple has kept its plans under wraps, making the sudden demand a surprise to many observers.

At the same time, rumors about Apple’s upcoming HomeView smart display have intensified after a leak from a Taiwanese supplier. HomeView is expected to be a 27‑inch, 4K‑resolution screen that integrates Apple Vision Pro’s spatial computing features with a built‑in camera for facial recognition and home automation control. Industry insiders say the device will run a new version of iOS tailored for large‑screen interaction, and could serve as a hub for Apple’s expanding ecosystem of services, including Apple TV+, Fitness+, and HomeKit. Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict the HomeView could generate $5 billion in revenue in its first year if it launches alongside the next generation of Vision Pro.

Apple is likely to address the iPhone Duo shortage by accelerating production at its Taiwan and India facilities, sources said. The company is also expected to reveal more details about HomeView at its October 30 event, where it may announce pricing and a launch timeline. If the dual‑screen phone and the HomeView display perform as projected, Apple could revitalize its hardware growth and reinforce its dominance in the premium consumer market. The next few weeks will show whether demand translates into sustained sales or fizzles out as a short‑term hype cycle.