Apple Can't Say When iPhone Duo Supply Will Meet Demand

Apple CEO John Ternus has declined to give a timeline for when supply constraints on the company's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will ease. In an interview, Ternus said Apple is working hard to get the device to as many customers as quickly as possible, but that the company cannot yet foresee when supply and demand will come into balance.

The comments come as Apple also contends with a sharp rise in memory prices. During the fourth-quarter earnings call, Ternus described current memory pricing as unprecedented, leaving the company juggling the supply of its new foldable and broader cost pressure at the same time.

iPhone Duo stock sold out quickly

Apple launched its first foldable iPhone last month at $1,999. The device has a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. Preorders sold out quickly, and some shipments are expected to be delivered in 2027. Apple also made a limited number of iPhone Duo units available in its stores at launch.

The speed at which preorders vanished, and the fact that some deliveries slip into 2027, point to strong interest from the outset. Ternus's remarks suggest Apple has no firm forecast of when supply will catch up with demand, which leaves the wait uncertain for anyone hoping to get one.

Response to cracked-screen reports

The interview also touched on reports of cracked screens on iPhone Duo units. Ternus said the share of devices returned because of the issue is a very small percentage, and that Apple is replacing those devices.

No details were given on how many units have been returned or how widespread the problem is; Ternus stressed only that the rate is small.

Memory costs push prices higher

Apple has spent months dealing with supply chain constraints and rising memory costs. The pressure has led to price increases across its lineup, including higher starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. On Monday's fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call, Ternus called memory prices unprecedented.

He added that Apple expects memory costs to climb further in the December quarter, though recent price increases partly offset the impact. Even so, Apple reported record iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion for the fourth quarter, despite not having a standard iPhone 18 model.