Verizon apologizes for iPhone Duo pre-order delays, offers $100 gift card

Verizon notified customers who pre-ordered the iPhone Duo through the carrier that an unexpected shipping delay will extend delivery times. The company said the delay means some shipments will arrive later than the originally promised dates, with many now expected between October 31 and November 14.

To address the inconvenience, Verizon announced it will issue a $100 Verizon gift card to affected customers, usable online or in stores for bill payments or merchandise. The carrier said customers will receive an email about the gift card next week and that it is working to fulfill orders as quickly as possible.

"We owe you an apology," the company wrote in the email. "We appreciate your patience and the opportunity to make this right."

"Your order is secure, your place in line hasn't changed, and our team is actively tracking your shipment to get it to you as quickly as possible," Verizon added.

Customers can check the status of their iPhone Duo orders on the My Orders page of the My Verizon website or app. While some pre-orderers received the device on the launch day of October 23, many others have seen their delivery dates pushed back.

Apple has reported exceptionally high demand for the iPhone Duo, with its own online store showing delivery dates into late January for new orders. Supply constraints have been cited as a factor in the delayed shipments.