The iPhone Duo is facing production issues ahead of its October launch, with initial production expected to be limited. A person reportedly close to Foxconn's supply chain told China's Jiemian News that final assembly yields for Apple's first foldable iPhone were just over 60% as of September 17.
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That rate is quite low by Apple's standards, which is known for its strict commitment to product quality. The source said that under Apple's current quality standards, it could take another six months to a year for the assembly line to reach mature performance, which could further delay the device's widespread availability.
Foxconn, Apple's primary partner for assembling the iPhone Duo, is in the process of constantly adjusting its equipment, assembly processes, and production settings. These adjustments are necessary to achieve the desired quality and quantity of production. However, suppliers are waiting to see if Apple will relax any quality requirements to speed up production, which could affect the reliability of the device.
The problems appear to extend beyond final assembly. Jiemian News reported that Samsung Display’s foldable OLED screens and hinge components have experienced low yields, late deliveries and design changes. These delays put additional pressure on the assembler, leaving less time to set up the production line. Apple, in an effort to improve the durability and performance of the hinges, has been testing Liquid Metal for some parts before reevaluating the approach before mass production.
The device's hinge contains more than 100 components and has a 3D-printed cover, which adds to the complexity of production.
See also: Apple reveals how iOS 27 adapts to iPhone Duo screens
A supply chain source also told Jiemian News that Apple’s global inventory target for the iPhone Duo in 2026 is around six to eight million units. This figure is significantly lower than the typical 20 to 30 million unit shipments over a full product cycle for a single iPhone Pro or Pro Max model. A separate retail source said that Apple’s sales guidance is in excess of five million units, indicating that the company has high expectations for market acceptance of the device, despite the production issues.
In another report, MyDrivers claims that one of the device's contract manufacturers asked Apple to choose between prioritizing efficiency and increasing production. Running the production line at higher volume could produce more saleable phones, but with the side effect of more defective units and higher scrap costs.
This choice poses a difficult dilemma for Apple, as it must balance between maintaining quality and satisfying market demand.
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9, sparking a lot of interest in the smartphone market. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on October 16, with availability to follow on October 23. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States, placing it in the premium category. This price reflects the innovation and technology it incorporates, as well as the challenges Apple faced in producing it.
See also: Apple shares mysterious video ahead of 'iPhone Duo' event
The launch of the iPhone Duo marks a significant step for Apple in the foldable smartphone market, a category that has been gaining traction in recent years. Despite the challenges, the success of the iPhone Duo could define the future of Apple's foldable devices and influence the direction of the market as a whole. Consumers are eagerly awaiting to see if Apple can overcome the obstacles and deliver a product that lives up to their high expectations.
