Apple Cannot Predict When iPhone Duo Supply Will Balance
Apple is currently unable to provide a timeline for when supply constraints affecting the newly launched iPhone Duo will lift.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Supply Constraints and Unpredictable Timeline
Apple is currently unable to provide a firm timeline for when supply constraints affecting its foldable smartphone will be resolved. During <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/apple-results-beat-wall-street-expectations-on-strong-iphone-sales-2026-11-02/">an interview with Reuters</a>, Apple CEO John Ternus discussed the ongoing availability challenges surrounding the device.
Ternus noted that while the technology giant is actively working to distribute the hardware to as many consumers as quickly as possible, predicting when supply and demand will finally achieve balance remains impossible at this stage.
Launch Reception and High Demand
The device in question debuted last month carrying a starting price tag of $1,999. It features a 5.4-inch outer display paired with a 7.6-inch inner screen, marking Apple's official entry into the foldable phone market.
Consumer demand was immediately apparent as preorders for the hardware quickly sold out. Consequently, some customer shipments have been pushed back to arrive as late as 2027. To manage initial interest, the corporation <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1015372/apple-says-it-only-has-limited-iphone-duo-units-for-in-store-sales">also made a limited number of iPhone Duo models</a> available for physical in-store purchases upon release.
Addressing Hardware Concerns and Reports
Alongside supply chain discussions, Ternus used the interview to address media reports <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1018760/iphone-duo-crackgate-inside-screen-hinge-crack">about cracked screens</a> impacting early units of the foldable device.
The chief executive clarified that only a very small percentage of devices have been returned to the company because of this specific hardware issue. He also confirmed that the enterprise is actively replacing those affected units for customers.
Unprecedented Memory Costs and Financial Impact
The broader manufacturing ecosystem has faced continuous headwinds over recent months, marked by strict component constraints and climbing memory expenditures. These factors have ultimately <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/992551/apple-iphone-17-17e-air-price-increase">resulted in</a> adjustments across the global manufacturing landscape.
During the company's recent Q4 earnings call, Ternus characterized the current component market environment candidly. He stated that the financial climate surrounding storage components is entirely unprecedented.
Furthermore, management expects to encounter even higher memory expenses throughout the upcoming December quarter. However, leadership notes that these mounting expenses are partially offset by recent retail adjustments introduced across major hardware tiers.
Record Revenue Amid Component Challenges
Despite skipping a traditional base model in its latest smartphone generation, the hardware maker still managed to post impressive financial figures for the period.
The corporation delivered record-breaking financial results, generating $57.58 billion in revenue specifically from its smartphone division during the fourth quarter, defying expectations despite ongoing component shortages and strict inventory limits.
Sources
- The VergeApple is ‘not able to predict’ when it’ll have enough iPhone Duos to go around
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