Apple can’t say when it will have enough iPhone Duo phones to go around. After the company’s latest earnings report, CEO John Ternus told Reuters that “we’re not able to predict when supply and demand will be in balance.” He did say Apple is working hard to get the foldable to as many people as quickly as it can, and that the production ramp is going well.
For anyone who wants Apple’s first foldable, that means more waiting. The $1,999 iPhone Duo sold out within minutes when pre-orders opened on October 16, and new online orders still show delivery in late January.
Apple isn’t saying why
Apple hasn’t blamed anything specific for the shortage. Analyst Jeff Pu pointed to hinge manufacturing problems before launch and estimated Apple would ship around 6 million Duos this year. That’s a small number next to the tens of millions of iPhone Pro phones Apple sells. Apple hasn’t shared how many Duos it has built so far, and Ternus gave no date for when the wait might shrink. That leaves buyers guessing.
The Duo wasn’t part of Apple’s latest quarterly results, since the quarter ended a month before it went on sale. Apple’s forecast for the holiday quarter does account for it, though. The company expects revenue to grow between 7% and 10%, and says that figure reflects its best view of constrained supply.
Ternus also touched on the cracked inner screens some owners have reported. He said only “a very small percentage” of Duos have come back with display problems, and Apple is replacing those phones.
What to do if you want one
Ordering online is still the surest route, even with a January date attached. Apple’s delivery estimates change as stock arrives, so check its website again before you give up on a faster date.
The long wait also says something about demand. Few people expected a $1,999 phone to sell out this fast, and it suggests plenty of buyers are willing to pay a premium for the first foldable iPhone.
And if you already own a Duo with a display problem, contact AppleCare instead of waiting it out. Apple says it will swap the phone.
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