The foldable is still slated to reach stores on October 23rd, and Apple typically holds back some units for in-store availability, so walking into an Apple Store may be the faster route for those determined to get one early. Preorders remain open on Apple's website for anyone willing to wait.

The long delay could stem from high demand for Apple's first foldable iPhone, low supply on Apple's side, or a mix of both. The Duo was announced in September with the shorter passport-style design Samsung introduced earlier this year, starting at $1,999 for the 256GB model in "star white" and "night sky" finishes. That price sits just above the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8, per reporting when the phone was unveiled.