Apple Lifts iPhone Duo Shipment Targets to 14 Million

Apple has sharply raised production plans for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable handset, as pre-order demand continues to outstrip what the company initially allocated. According to supply chain reports, the company has increased its shipment targets for the device, a move that follows the company describing demand for the phone as extraordinary when pre-orders opened.

The company's shipment target for the iPhone Duo over its first 12 months has been boosted from 9.7 million units to 14 million. This increase comes as Apple expects strong demand for the product to persist. The report on these new targets is based on information from supply chain sources.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo began on a Friday, and delivery dates slipped within about a minute of the sales window opening. Some customers who placed orders immediately were given estimated delivery dates that extended into late January. Apple attributed this to what it called extraordinary demand for the device, though the company often uses that same phrase for new iPhone launches. To combat scalping, Apple also placed a limit of two units per customer.

In the days that followed, some customers who had ordered the phone received updates with earlier estimated shipping dates. The increased production targets may explain the quicker delivery estimates for some buyers. Initial reports of long wait times made it unclear whether the issue was one of high demand or constrained supply, and the information on production figures points toward the former.

Apple's decision to ramp up manufacturing of the iPhone Duo is a direct response to the sales activity following the opening of its pre-order period. The company has not publicly commented on the specific production figures, but reports from sources familiar with the manufacturing process indicate that shipment goals for the first year of sales are now significantly higher than originally planned.

Early customers of the iPhone Duo are encountering some limitations as they begin using the device. Third-party applications have not yet been optimized for the new foldable screen format, though Apple has stated that the situation is improving quickly as developers release updates. Reviews based on the first week of usage have consistently identified app support as a key consideration for owners.

Another point of focus for early adopters has been the decision to use Touch ID instead of Face ID for biometric authentication on the device. This choice is a point of discussion among users. A report from today indicates that Apple is already testing prototypes for a next-generation model, the iPhone Duo 2, which would include Face ID technology.

The increased production targets suggest that Apple is preparing for the iPhone Duo to be a significant part of its hardware business. The company's sales figures for the device will be a key metric to watch as the holiday shopping season approaches and the product becomes more widely available.

The focus now shifts to how quickly Apple can fulfill the orders from customers who are still waiting for delivery dates in January. The company has not provided a specific timeline for when the increased production will translate into shorter wait times for those who have not yet received a device. The success of the iPhone Duo in the market will be closely watched by investors and industry analysts as the fourth quarter progresses.