Apple's new iPhone Duo, the company's first folding phone, went on sale today (Friday, October 23, 2026) at the Liverpool ONE Apple Store, with only a handful of people queuing at 7.45am. The minimal turnout was due to a new reservation system that replaced traditional waiting lines.
New Reservation System Replaces Queues
Shopping writer Ray Bonsall arrived at the store ahead of doors opening at 8am and found eight people queuing. Staff and customers revealed that many had arrived in the small hours, some as early as 2.30am, but were turned away and told to book a reservation slot online instead.
Customer Prati Salunkhe, 30, travelled from Chester to arrive at 5am and booked a slot for 8am. He told the ECHO: "Within 30 seconds [of release], all the booking slots had gone online. I even tried other phone carriers. So I thought, 'Let's try my luck today'. It’s quite amazing that I've got it now."
Customers Praise the New System
Friends Sahal, 18, Ahmed, 20, and Layth, 19, also arrived at 5am but returned after the store opened for their reservation. Sahal, who buys a new iPhone each release, said: "It's a very good new system. Normally you have to wait in a queue." Ahmed added: "It's smart, especially when it's cold."
Fatima, 30, an assistant analyst, said: "It was pretty easy [to book a reservation]. I thought it would be really hard. I've heard about people in London camping out all night."
Mixed Feelings on Losing the Tradition
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the change. One security guard recalled previous launches: "The whole of Liverpool ONE got involved. People brought bacon sandwiches, and Krispy Kreme would bring round donuts. It brought a nice day." Still, he acknowledged the new system is "better for customers" - especially with storms on the way.
The iPhone Duo features Apple's largest iPhone display in a foldable design, becoming the thinnest iPhone yet when opened. It includes an advanced camera setup, a new FaceTime camera underneath the inner display, Siri AI, and splash, water, and dust resistance. Customers like Nishant, 33, a developer, are looking forward to multitasking and watching TV shows on the device.
