Apple Limits iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max Pickup to Reservations in Japan and South Korea
Apple announced that the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be sold by reservation only at its stores in Japan and South Korea, citing supply constraints and anti-scalping measures.
Apple posted notices on its Japan and South Korea websites indicating that the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available only through a pickup reservation system at Apple Stores, rather than walk-in sales, when the devices launch on Friday, October 23. The restriction is attributed to limited supply and the company’s anti-scalping policies in the region.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began on Friday, with initial shipping estimates pushed back to January 25 within the first half hour of sales. Apple said demand for the iPhone Duo was extremely high and that it is working to fulfill orders as quickly as possible, without providing specific sales numbers.
Customers who wish to reserve the iPhone Duo for store pickup are advised to check Apple’s online store on Saturday, October 24 for further details. While the iPhone Duo will be displayed in Apple Stores worldwide starting October 23, it remains unclear whether walk-in purchases will be permitted in the United States or other markets outside Japan and South Korea. Reports from some store managers suggest employees have been instructed to discourage walk-in purchases at launch, though Apple has not issued a company-wide statement on the policy.
Analysts expect that even in locations where walk-in sales are allowed, inventory will be limited at launch.