Apple limits iPhone Duo orders to two devices per customer

Apple has limited iPhone Duo orders to two devices per customer in the US, UK, Japan, Spain and other markets.

The restriction appeared after delivery estimates moved into January within minutes of pre-orders opening. The cap applies regardless of the configuration selected.

The cap appears across several stores

Engadget tested Apple’s online stores in the US, UK, Japan and Spain. Attempts to add more than two devices produced a notice stating that a maximum of two iPhone Duo units could be purchased per customer.

The measure appears aimed at scalpers who buy supply-constrained devices and resell them above retail prices. The publication reported dozens of iPhone Duo listings on eBay, with some priced above $5,000.

Apple has used limits before

Apple has previously restricted sales of supply-constrained iPhones in China, including both online orders and walk-in purchases. In the US, the company has also imposed similar limits; the first example cited by the publication was the iPhone 5 in 2012.

Large-scale scalping is difficult to prevent. Organised groups can use multiple virtual credit-card numbers, email addresses and delivery addresses, or pay other people to place orders.

Some customers have already seen improved estimated delivery dates. Buyers near an Apple store can also check for walk-in availability, though the source advises against trying on the first day of sales.