iPhone Duo walk-in inventory sells out on launch day

Apple sold 23,000 units of the iPhone Duo on Friday, October 23, as walk-in stock at retail locations ran dry. The first foldable phone went on sale at stores worldwide, drawing crowds to outlets in multiple countries.

Lines formed outside Apple Stores overnight as shoppers attempted to secure a walk-in purchase. Apple had warned in a press release that in-store inventory would be limited. Store employees told disappointed customers to check the Apple Store app at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday for available stock details.

Senior executives attended launch events at separate locations. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, was at the Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York. He was joined by retail executive Vanessa Trigub.

Apple CEO John Ternus visited the Domain NORTHSIDE store in Austin, Texas. Retail chief Deirdre O'Brien accompanied him. Mark Gurman reported that Ternus toured Apple's Austin offices earlier in the week. Austin is hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix this weekend, an event Apple streams exclusively in the US.

Apple shared launch photos from various cities in a Friday morning release. Employees invited customers to try the device, providing hands-on demonstrations and shopping assistance. 9to5Mac readers also posted images from their local stores.