iPhone Duo sells out moments after pre-orders begin

As expected, Apple's iPhone Duo has seen shipping slip back in most configurations instantly.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began at 8 A.M. Eastern and as with most new iPhones — but not all — the stocks sold out rapidly. With the first moments, shipping dates slipped back to November 16, and then to November 23, for all configurations.

Apple never states how many devices it has made ready for sale on day one, but the shipping dates normally provide a clue as to whether a model is a hit.

In this case, that's less apparent than usual because there is another factor. Alongside demand from early buyers, it's believed that Apple has fewer of the iPhone Duo manufactured than normal.

That could be because of the many reports of delays in manufacturing over such a complex new design. But there is also the fact that this is a new design and so demand may have proven harder to estimate.

Then, too, the iPhone Duo is the most expensive iPhone ever made. It's also launching at a time when the global chip shortage has driven all technology prices higher.

You will still be able to place an order for the iPhone Duo, you just won't get it when the first shipments begin on October 23. However, that same date is when the iPhone Duo will be in stores, and those stores will have at least some stocks.