Apple Scales Back iPhone Duo Manufacturing After First-Day Rush

More than 40% — that is the figure supply chain reports are attaching to Apple’s manufacturing plans for its new iPhone Duo, a sharp increase in production targets attributed to what the company has called “extraordinary” pre-order interest. The adjustment signals a significant pivot in manufacturing strategy just days after the device first became available for reservation.

The timeline of events explains the shift. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened on Friday, and within moments, the availability of delivery dates began to slip. Some customers were immediately faced with estimated shipping windows pushing into late January.

In response to the rapid sell-out, Apple publicly attributed the delay to high demand for the foldable device. At the same time, the company implemented a restriction limiting purchases to two units per customer, a move intended to discourage scalping.

Reports from DigiTimes, citing sources within the supply chain, suggest that the initial shipping delays may have been a result of constrained supply rather than overwhelming demand alone. The publication indicates that Apple has ramped up production in light of the situation.

Consequently, the company has adjusted its shipment targets significantly upward. The report notes that expectations for the device's initial 12-month availability have grown from 9.7 million units to 14 million units.

For those who secured a device, the early experience has been defined by a specific set of limitations. Reviews published this week, based on a week of usage, identify a lack of optimization for third-party applications as a primary concern. Apple has stated that the situation is improving rapidly as developers adapt to the new hardware.

Another point of discussion in early reviews has been the reliance on Touch ID rather than other biometric options. However, reports indicate that Apple is already testing prototypes for an iPhone Duo 2 that would feature Face ID.