Dear Apple Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for October 16

Apple (AAPL) is getting ready to turn a new page in its iPhone playbook, and Oct. 16 could be a big day for the tech giant. After years of refining its familiar smartphone design, Apple is finally stepping into the foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo, a book-style device that opens up into a larger display. But with a starting price of $1,999, this is hardly an impulse purchase.

Unveiled last month, the iPhone Duo marks Apple's latest attempt to shake up its smartphone lineup and take on the growing foldable market. Now, the countdown is on. Pre-orders open on Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time (8 a.m. Eastern Time), ahead of the official Oct. 23 launch. Apple is also opening its “Get Ready” process on Monday, Oct. 12, allowing prospective buyers to select their preferred configuration, arrange payment and trade-in details, and prepare their orders in advance. With reports of production issues raising the possibility of limited initial supplies, getting everything ready beforehand could give buyers a head start.