Apple Unable to Predict When iPhone Duo Supply Will Meet Demand

Image: Apple is ‘not able to predict’ when it’ll have enough iPhone Duos to go around · Source

Apple CEO John Ternus states the company cannot currently forecast when iPhone Duo supply shortages will be resolved, as demand exceeds availability following the launch of its first foldable phone.

Apple's debut foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which launched last month with a $1,999 price tag, continues to face significant supply shortages. The device features a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal foldable screen. Preorders for the iPhone Duo sold out rapidly, with some customers facing wait times extending into 2027. Apple also released a limited quantity of iPhone Duo units for in-store purchase at launch.

John Ternus, Apple's CEO, told Reuters in a recent interview that the company is "working hard to get it to as many customers as quickly as possible," but acknowledged that Apple currently cannot predict when supply and demand will be balanced. This ongoing shortage highlights ongoing challenges Apple faces in scaling production of its new foldable technology.

In addition to supply constraints, Apple has had to confront rising memory prices, which have contributed to increased costs across its product range. Ternus described current memory pricing levels as "unprecedented," noting that Apple anticipates even higher memory costs in the upcoming quarter. However, the company has offset some of these costs through recent price hikes on models like the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Amid these challenges, Apple also addressed reports of cracked screens on the iPhone Duo. Ternus stated that only a "very small percentage" of units have been returned for screen damage, and Apple is replacing affected devices.

Financially, Apple reported record iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion in its fourth quarter, despite not releasing a standard iPhone 18 model this cycle. The company’s ability to sustain strong sales underscores the continued consumer enthusiasm for its new foldable device, even as availability remains limited.

The iPhone Duo supply issue reflects broader industry trends where new foldable displays and cutting-edge components present manufacturing complexities, leading to constrained availability shortly after launch. Apple has not provided a timeline for resolving these supply chain challenges but is actively working to increase production capacity to meet demand.