Sold out in 5 minutes! Apple’s first foldable iPhone sparks buying frenzy in India

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has sold out across several online platforms and retail outlets in India within hours of its October 23 launch. Strong initial demand, limited supplies and a rush of pre-orders have left many prospective buyers unable to secure the device.

Blinkit chief executive Albinder Dhindsa said the platform’s entire allocation in Delhi-NCR sold out within five minutes of the device becoming available at 8.15 am. He added that efforts were under way to secure additional stock in the coming weeks.

Retailers in Delhi-NCR and other parts of the country also reported customer queues, but restricted allocations prevented several outlets from fulfilling walk-in purchases. Some retailers have stopped accepting advance bookings because they cannot provide confirmed delivery dates.

Retailers receive just five to seven handsets

The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) said allocations for Apple's latest iPhone range, particularly the flagship Duo, remained significantly below demand.

According to the association, some retailers received only five to seven handsets, despite requiring at least 100 units across leading models to meet customer bookings. Some large-format retail chains reportedly received more display and demonstration devices than units available for sale.

The shortage has placed independent retailers under pressure, with reports suggesting that their allocations were substantially lower than those received by Apple-owned outlets.

Swarn Bajaj, founder and chief executive of P3S Ventures, which operates the iNvent Apple retail chain, said demand was several times higher than the initial allocation. The company's first batch had been booked before the official launch, leaving it unable to accommodate additional walk-in customers.

Grey market prices surge by up to ₹1 lakh

Limited availability has reportedly fuelled unofficial sales, with some buyers willing to pay between ₹25,000 and ₹1 lakh above the printed maximum retail price to secure the smartphone.

AIMRA said mainstream mobile retailers remained committed to selling the device at its official maximum retail price (MRP), rather than charging customers additional amounts because of the shortage.

The reported premiums highlight the gap between consumer demand and available supply. However, buyers considering unofficial sellers should verify the device's authenticity, warranty eligibility, invoice and return conditions before making a purchase.

iPhone Duo price in India

The iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 in India for the 256GB variant, while the 2TB model is priced at ₹4,49,900.

Pre-orders opened on October 16, with the first week's inventory reportedly booked before the October 23 retail launch. Buyers may have to wait for subsequent shipments, although retailers have not provided a firm replenishment schedule.

What the iPhone Duo sell-out reveals about India's premium smartphone market

The rapid sell-out highlights the initial interest in Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone segment in India. However, the speed at which the first batch sold out should not be treated as proof of sustained demand across the wider market. Limited allocations and advance bookings have also contributed to the shortage.

For independent retailers, restricted supplies mean lost immediate sales and uncertainty over delivery commitments. For consumers, the reported grey market premiums create an additional financial consideration, particularly for a device already priced close to ₹3 lakh at entry level.

Apple's next shipments will be important in determining whether the initial demand translates into sustained retail sales. Until availability improves, prospective buyers may need to compare authorised sellers, confirm delivery dates and consider whether waiting is preferable to paying above the official price.