Apple made a “major mistake” by opening iPhone Duo pre-orders despite knowing the device would face severe supply constraints, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The decision has already pushed estimated delivery dates to around January 25 in most countries, potentially leaving some of the product’s earliest buyers waiting months.

Gurman made the criticism in his Power On newsletter. He said Apple appeared to prioritize getting the iPhone Duo on sale early in its fiscal first quarter rather than ensuring it had enough inventory to meet initial demand.

Why Apple’s iPhone Duo launch is facing delays

Apple was aware of manufacturing challenges before pre-orders began on Friday, according to Gurman. Even so, the company proceeded with the launch instead of delaying pre-orders until more units were available.

Gurman characterized the choice as especially disappointing for early adopters who were ready to buy the new device as soon as orders opened. Severe supply limitations can make the first phase of a product launch difficult for customers, particularly when demand is concentrated immediately after pre-orders begin.

Within less than 30 minutes of the launch, Apple’s estimated shipping dates for the iPhone Duo had moved to approximately January 25 across most countries. Those dates represent Apple’s current estimates and may not ultimately reflect when every order ships.

Apple expanded the initial launch plan

The iPhone Duo was originally expected to launch first in the United States and China, with availability in other countries following later, according to Gurman. Apple instead chose to open pre-orders in more than 70 countries at the same time.

That broader rollout increased the number of markets competing for limited inventory. It also meant that supply constraints became visible almost immediately after pre-orders opened, rather than being limited to a smaller initial launch.

Shipping estimates could improve

Apple often provides conservative delivery estimates, and Gurman noted that the company may still ship some orders earlier than the dates currently shown. Some customers could see their estimates move forward, at least slightly, as Apple receives additional inventory or improves its production output.

However, the current delays underscore the trade-off in launching before enough stock is ready. Apple has placed the iPhone Duo in customers’ hands sooner, but the decision may frustrate buyers who expected a quicker delivery after ordering on the first day.

For shoppers considering the device, the immediate takeaway is that ordering early does not guarantee an early shipment. Delivery timing will depend on the customer’s country, order timing and Apple’s ability to address the manufacturing constraints.