Apple’s first foldable smartphone has barely hit store shelves, but getting your hands on one in India is already proving expensive. The iPhone Duo, officially priced at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB variant, is in short supply, with some retailers reportedly charging buyers an additional ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh to secure a unit.
The premium could push the effective purchase price close to ₹4 lakh, turning Apple’s latest launch into a scramble for buyers unwilling to wait for fresh stock. Retailers across Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad have reported limited availability since sales began on Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to India Today, which spoke to more than 17 retailers, several stores received only around 10 units each. With demand exceeding the initial supply, buyers are facing a difficult choice: pay extra to get the phone immediately or wait for official deliveries to resume.
Credits: India News Network
Apple iPhone Duo shortage leaves retailers struggling
The supply crunch has affected even established retailers that expected significantly larger allocations. The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), which represents more than 1.5 lakh mainline mobile retailers, said some leading stores had anticipated receiving around 100 units across variants but were allocated just five to seven.
The limited inventory has created an opportunity for sellers to charge a premium, particularly to customers who want to be among the first to own Apple’s debut foldable. AIMRA said some buyers were willing to pay between ₹25,000 and ₹1 lakh above the maximum retail price to secure the device.
However, not every retailer is charging extra. Some shops are reportedly selling the iPhone Duo at its official price to regular customers, prioritising loyalty over the opportunity to make additional money during the initial rush.
For buyers, the difference is substantial. Someone purchasing the 256GB model at its listed price pays ₹2,99,900, while a customer paying an additional ₹1 lakh would spend ₹3,99,900. That is a premium of roughly 33% over the official price, highlighting how limited availability can influence pricing in the early days of a high-profile launch.
Manufacturing challenges are driving the global shortage
The shortage is not confined to India. Apple is also facing supply constraints in international markets, with manufacturing challenges reportedly limiting the number of units available to customers.
According to Bloomberg, the device’s advanced hinge engineering and new display technology have complicated production. Only a limited number of facilities in China are manufacturing the foldable phone, restricting how quickly Apple can increase output.
A report published ahead of the launch also indicated that production yields had remained around 60%. Lower yields mean a smaller proportion of manufactured units successfully meet quality requirements, potentially reducing the number of devices available for sale even when production lines are running.
These challenges are particularly significant for a first-generation foldable, which introduces more complex components and engineering requirements than a conventional smartphone. Scaling production while maintaining Apple’s quality standards could take time, leaving retailers with limited stock in the near term.
Apple website shows delivery dates in 2027
The pressure on supply has become visible on Apple’s official online stores. Within hours of orders opening, Apple’s US and Indian websites were displaying estimated delivery dates extending into 2027.
Apple has also limited the number of iPhone Duo units customers can purchase per order on its Indian website to two. Such purchase restrictions can help manage limited inventory and discourage bulk buying while supplies remain constrained.
Meanwhile, the shortage has created opportunities in the resale market. YouTube channel Max Tech highlighted listings on eBay showing a 2TB model, originally priced at $3,199, being offered for $5,000. A 1TB version priced at $2,599 was reportedly listed for $4,400.
These listings illustrate how early buyers may attempt to profit from limited availability, although resale prices do not necessarily represent completed transactions or what most customers are willing to pay.
Credits: India Today
Can buyers expect iPhone Duo prices to fall?
The immediate outlook depends largely on how quickly Apple can improve manufacturing yields and replenish retail inventory. If supply remains restricted while demand stays strong, unofficial premiums could persist. However, increased availability may reduce the incentive for buyers to pay above the listed price.
For customers who do not need the device immediately, waiting for official stock could be the more economical option. Paying up to ₹1 lakh extra simply to avoid a delivery queue may prove difficult to justify if availability improves over the coming months.
The iPhone Duo’s launch has demonstrated the interest surrounding Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone category. Yet its early reception also highlights the challenges of bringing a complex new device to market at scale. For now, buyers in India face a steep price tag, limited stock and delivery estimates stretching into 2027.
Whether the initial rush translates into sustained demand will become clearer as Apple works to resolve its production bottlenecks and more units reach stores.
