The online version of the Apple Store has been temporarily offline, in preparation for the opening of pre-orders for the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Whenever Apple makes a small but important change to the online Apple Store, it first deactivates the site. This is more of a theatricality than maintenance of the site, but obviously for Apple it is worth it, even though until it is restored, no one will be able to buy anything in the online store. As usual, this just happened, before Apple opened pre-orders for the iPhone Duo.
Visitors to the digital storefront are currently greeted by the traditional combination of the Apple logo and the message “We love that early Energy”. There’s also the promise that Apple’s site will “see us soon.”
The changes this time concern exclusively the iPhone Duo. Announced at the “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, 2026, it has taken Apple until now to accept pre-orders for the device.
That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, HomePod mini 2, updated Apple TV 4K, and even HomeView all launched while we waited to buy an iPhone Duo.
The long gap could be due to regularly reported manufacturing issues in producing the iPhone Duo in sufficient quantities. And it’s perhaps because of this long delay that Apple launched a special “Get Ready” feature for pre-ordering the device.
“Get Ready” allows users to choose the color and capacity of the device, as well as specify carrier and financial provider details. Apple ran it from October 12th until the end of October 15th.
If you haven’t followed this process, you may find that your iPhone Duo runs out of battery before you reach the “Buy” button. In addition to the normal high demand for a new iPhone, it is believed that there will be lower than normal inventory.
However, Apple reserves stock for its Apple Stores. Those will put on sale, and perhaps most importantly, the iPhone Duo from October 23rd.
