Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened in Vietnam and other markets worldwide at 7pm on October 16. Just 30 minutes later, Apple's US online store had pushed estimated delivery dates back to late January 2027.

On Apple's Vietnamese online store, purchases are limited to two iPhone Duo units per customer, with all configurations currently showing an estimated delivery date of January 27, 2027.

Authorised Apple retailers in Vietnam also reported that their initial pre-order allocations had sold out shortly after reservations opened.

However, representatives of several retail chains said customers who secured slots in the first round would still receive their devices starting October 23.

Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, for which retailers quickly disclosed pre-order figures, sales chains have declined to reveal iPhone Duo reservation numbers, citing Apple's regulations.

A source familiar with the situation told VietNamNet that the initial allocation of iPhone Duo units for Vietnam was extremely limited, amounting to only a few thousand devices.

Individual retailers reportedly received just a few hundred units each, while the next shipment is not expected until late November 2026.

This could leave the market without additional iPhone Duo stock for more than a month.

The shortage has created opportunities for resellers.

In several private online groups, pre-order slots have appeared for resale at premiums of VND12-15 million (US$456-570) above Apple's official retail prices.

As the first delivery date approaches, however, some sellers have raised their asking premiums to VND18-19 million (US$684-722).

The listings claim that devices will be delivered on the morning of October 23 and will already have been activated.

Buyers seeking these early units are being asked to pay an additional VND12-15 million over Apple's listed prices, depending on the configuration.

Prices have continued to climb as the delivery date draws nearer.

As of October 18, a 256GB iPhone Duo in Night Sky was being advertised for VND83 million (US$3,154), representing an VND18 million premium over the official price.

Meanwhile, the 256GB Star White version was listed at VND84 million (US$3,192), VND19 million above Apple's retail price.

Some sellers have even promised to compensate buyers if they fail to deliver the devices on the agreed date.

For example, listings claim that a buyer placing a VND10 million deposit would receive VND10 million in compensation if the phone was unavailable, while a VND30 million deposit would carry a corresponding VND30 million compensation commitment.

Industry traders say such price inflation is nothing new in Vietnam's iPhone market.

Similar situations have occurred with numerous previous iPhone launches, particularly when initial supplies were limited and demand was strong.

According to retailers, some Apple customers are relatively insensitive to price, with certain buyers willing to pay substantial premiums to obtain a new device early when direct pre-orders through official retail channels are no longer available.

Le My