TechLIVE REPORT

Apple Store line now includes people who can't afford the phone

Early demand for Apple's foldable has analysts asking whether it can lift iPhone pricing and revenue; so far, the line is the best seller.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN Tonight
Published 8:15 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

▶ As it aired · Tech

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger on this story, from BBN Tonight at 8:15 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are CNBC's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by CNBC: “Apple’s $1,999 iPhone Duo puts the company's status-symbol power to the test”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8:15 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: Duo, Apple.
BBN covered this story before: iPhone Duo preorders sell out into 2027 (October 16).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CNBCApple’s $1,999 iPhone Duo puts the company's status-symbol power to the test

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe line for Apple's nineteen ninety-nine dollar iPhone Duo is still growing tonight, and Lola Cruz is outside the store to ask who is actually buying.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorLola?
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentHank, I'm standing outside the store, and the line behind me now wraps past a shoe shop and a pretzel stand.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentSince this afternoon, when demand looked strong, I've been counting how many people carry a bag, and so far the answer is two.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTwo bags.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentTwo, and one is a pretzel. I'm now talking with Tobias Raikkonen, a bike courier who has been here since lunch.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentTobias, are you buying the phone?
Tobias RaikkonenOh no, I could never afford it.
Tobias RaikkonenI just like standing near people who can. It's warmer than my apartment, and somebody's selling hot cider.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentHank, that is the whole story: a nineteen ninety-nine dollar phone, and the crowd has come for the cider.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTobias, have you at least bought a phone yet?
Tobias RaikkonenNo, sir. I'm saving up for the line next year.

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