iPhone Duo Bots Stoke a Preorder Resale Rush
Before Apple's first foldable phone reaches stores, Hong Kong sellers are offering tools to race through its preorder queue. One claims its bot can reserve two iPhone Duo units in seven seconds. Resale listings in China and the United States are advertising prices well above retail.
The rush rests on expectations of scarce launch inventory. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman warned in his Power On newsletter that buyers will need to plan ahead, citing expected demand that could outstrip initial supply. Apple is scheduled to open preorders on October 16. Sales are set to begin on October 23 in the United States and other markets.
Short supply estimates collide with a higher forecast
Production figures reported so far point to a difficult ramp-up. Nikkei reported daily output in the hundreds of units as of August, while Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo projected Q3 assembly shipments of 500,000 to 1 million units. Chinese local media said final assembly yields were only slightly above 60% in mid-September. Some observers estimate that normal levels could take as long as a year to reach. The supply-chain picture remains unsettled: China's Securities Times reported that Apple had underestimated demand and was raising orders by 30%. The report put total orders below 10 million units. That figure describes orders across the supply chain, not confirmed launch-day retail inventory. Earlier estimates put initial supply at 6 million to 7 million units.
The uncertainty follows reported manufacturing challenges around the device's thin design, covered in an earlier report. Bloomberg had reported that Apple considered delaying sales until late November because of production constraints. The company later kept the October launch schedule, though initial availability was still expected to be limited. Apple is preparing more than 150 demonstration units for its Fifth Avenue store in New York. Nearly 100 are planned for the Apple Park Visitor Center, MacRumors reported.
Those estimates differ sharply. None guarantees how many phones will be available when orders open. Apple is also reported to have cut component orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by 15% to 20%. The source does not establish whether that reflects weaker demand or buyers waiting for less expensive options.
Resale premiums come with a data risk
The Hong Kong bot seller advertised a HK$399 package, claiming it could secure two units within seven seconds. A second package cost HK$899 and included three attempts, with a full refund promised if all failed. The seller had posted order records and interface screenshots almost daily since the 10th of last month. The posts drew more than 2,000 interested comments. The offer appeared ahead of the October 16 preorder opening, The Standard reported.
Francis Fong, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, warned that users could face substantial costs if their personal or credit card information were exposed. The bot requires customers to enter those details, creating a risk that malicious software could intercept them. Security experts have also cautioned that such services may ask for names and addresses. They may also collect payment information, exposing sensitive data to an unknown intermediary.
In mainland China, proxy preorder services have appeared on Xianyu and Zhuanzhuan since the phone's unveiling on the 10th of last month. Fees range from CNY 500 to 1,000. One listing sought CNY 99,000 for a device, more than three times the official CNY 26,499 price of the top-tier 2TB model. On eBay, a US listing offered the 256GB version for $2,849.95, about 43% above its $1,999 starting price. Listings also appeared on Singapore's Carousell.
The iPhone Duo launches in more than 70 countries on October 23. Preorders open on October 16 in the United States and South Korea, with other markets included. Since October 13, Apple's online store has offered a preparation feature that lets customers save their color and storage choices before ordering. They can also save payment and shipping choices, then confirm the order at 9 p.m. local time on preorder day.
Price and features set the competitive context
Xiaomi's passport-style Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at CNY 10,999 and is currently sold only in China. Its main sensor has 200 megapixels and optical zoom. The phone also has a 6,000mAh battery, with 67W wired charging.
The iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel dual camera and 60W charging. Its stated advantages include a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance. iOS 27 adds split-screen multitasking and Siri AI features.
In Japan, buyers can use a 36-month Paidy installment plan. For the 256GB model, monthly payments are ¥10,133. Up to 12 payments are waived if the phone is returned after 24 months.
