Apple Says iPhone Duo Pre-Order Demand 'Extraordinary' as Shipping Dates Slip Into Next Year
Apple said iPhone Duo pre-order demand was 'nothing short of extraordinary' after shipping estimates slipped from late October into next year, with Brazil deliveries pushed to early February. Scalpers are asking up to $10,000, drawing criticism of Apple's pre-order handling.
The delays appeared quickly. As soon as iPhone Duo pre-orders opened, shipping estimates began moving from late October to November, then December, and eventually January, according to 9to5Mac. In some countries, including Brazil, estimated deliveries were pushed into early February. There had been reports warning that initial iPhone Duo supplies could be limited, but the speed and extent of the shipping delays still caught many by surprise.
Apple gave a positive characterization of the early response. In its statement to CNBC, the company described pre-order demand as 'nothing short of extraordinary' and said, 'We are working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible, and we will continue accepting orders online.'
With shipping dates slipping well into next year, scalpers on eBay and X were already looking to cash in. Asking prices reached as high as $10,000, according to 9to5Mac. The resale listings emerged as buyers faced extended waits for direct orders.
The situation led to criticism of Apple's handling of pre-orders. Some critics called on the company to identify and cancel orders placed by scalpers, 9to5Mac reported. Apple's statement described the demand as extraordinary and said it would keep accepting online orders.