Verizon apologized to customers who pre-ordered the iPhone Duo through the carrier, but they have since been informed that delivery was delayed.
In an email sent to affected customers, Verizon said that an “unexpected shipping delay” means iPhone Duo deliveries to some customers will “take a little longer.” To remedy the inconvenience, Verizon is offering affected customers a $100 Verizon gift card that can be used online or in-store for bill or merchandise payments.
“We owe you an apology,” Verizon said. “We appreciate your patience and the opportunity to resolve this issue,” the company added.
Verizon said customers will receive an email about the $100 gift card next week and assured that it is working to fulfill orders as soon as possible.
“Your order is secure, your position in line has not changed, and our team is actively tracking your shipment to get it to you as quickly as possible,” Verizon said.
MacRumors Reader Ryan showed us that he pre-ordered an iPhone Duo from Verizon when pre-orders began on Friday, October 16. Verizon initially gave him a delivery date of Friday, October 23, meaning he would receive the device on launch day, but his estimated delivery date has since been revised to Saturday, November 7.
There are many similar examples of Verizon customers with delayed pre-orders in MacRumors forums, Reddit, and other social media platforms, with many revised delivery dates now falling within the October 31st to November 14th window.
Some customers who pre-ordered an iPhone Duo through Verizon received the device on October 23, so not everyone is affected. Many of those affected are understandably upset by the miscommunication.
Last week, Apple said pre-order demand for the iPhone Duo had been “nothing short of extraordinary,” with estimated delivery dates on its online store going as late as the end of January for new orders. Some lucky customers managed to secure an iPhone Duo yesterday, while in-store pickup reservations resumed with little to no availability.
Ahead of the launch of the iPhone Duo, there were some reports mentioning that there would be supply constraints due to alleged manufacturing challenges. In any case, for some, getting the device early is proving to be a challenge.
Meanwhile, Verizon said affected customers can check their iPhone Duo order status on the My Orders page via the website or My Verizon app.
