Apple is preparing a major retail showcase for the iPhone Duo ahead of its October 23 launch, but the device is expected to remain in short supply. The company plans to add new displays, folding demonstrations and large numbers of customer demo units at selected stores, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The retail rollout will give shoppers a chance to examine how the iPhone Duo folds and unfolds, compare it with conventional iPhones and use some devices without the usual display restraints. However, the number of demonstration units will vary significantly by location.

Flagship Apple Stores will receive the most demo units

Apple plans to reserve part of its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York for the iPhone Duo. The store is expected to receive more than 150 units for customer trials and other displays.

The Apple Park Visitor Center is expected to receive nearly 100 devices. Three other prominent stores—Chicago's Michigan Avenue location, The Grove in Los Angeles and Manhattan's Upper West Side store—are expected to receive roughly 30 to 40 units each.

Non-flagship Apple Stores will receive about 20 demo units on average. Most locations are also expected to add a spotlight table using Apple's white retail fixtures, with a central post supporting the product display.

New displays will demonstrate folding and StandBy

Apple has designed a new fixture to show the iPhone Duo's folding mechanism. In the Avenue display areas along the sides of stores, visitors will reportedly be able to explore StandBy on phones that are not tethered to the display.

Apple will also use a MagSafe stand for side-by-side comparisons. The stand can hold an open iPhone Duo together with two conventional iPhones, giving shoppers a way to compare the devices on a single table.

iPhone Duo supply is expected to remain limited

The extensive retail preparation comes as Apple manages production constraints. About two months ago, the company reportedly believed those constraints could delay sales until later in November. Apple has since assembled enough inventory to launch this month, although initial availability is still expected to be tight.

Apple is also adapting its Presto machines for the iPhone Duo. The wireless system can update software without opening the product packaging and can add the buyer's name to the greeting shown when the phone starts for the first time. Gurman previously reported that personalized greetings will be available in US Apple Stores in English and Spanish.

Pre-orders and pricing

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to open October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by in-store and online sales on October 23. The 256GB model starts at $1,999 in the United States.

The combination of extensive demonstrations and constrained inventory means shoppers may be able to try the iPhone Duo in many Apple Stores before finding one available to purchase. Flagship locations will offer the broadest hands-on experience, while smaller stores are expected to receive fewer display units.