Apple says it’s ‘hard to predict’ when iPhone Duo constraints will improve

iPhone Duo delivery times are now pushed into next year, making the device significantly harder to obtain in the short term.

Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Sabih Khan, acknowledged significant shipping delays for the new iPhone Duo during the company's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call. Khan stated that the product is currently constrained and, despite a strong ramp-up, it is "hard to predict" when supply and demand will align. Customers are experiencing delivery times stretching into next year, prompting some, like Verizon, to offer compensation. Apple CEO John Ternus highlighted the "extraordinary" demand, with the device selling out online within hours. These delays are notable given Apple's typically efficient supply chain and occur amidst broader industry-wide supply pressures, particularly the high demand for memory chips from the AI sector, which is increasing component costs and forcing price hikes on some products. Apple is reportedly deepening its partnership with titanium producer Perryman to meet the demand for the foldable device.

The widespread component shortages, especially for memory chips driven by AI development, are impacting major hardware manufacturers beyond Apple, suggesting a broader industry-wide challenge. This scarcity is leading to increased component costs, which Apple has reluctantly passed on to consumers through price increases on certain products.

Apple's struggle to meet demand for the iPhone Duo, despite its renowned supply chain efficiency, highlights the extreme demand for this new form factor. The company's efforts to secure materials, such as deepening its partnership with titanium supplier Perryman, indicate a strategic focus on scaling production for foldable devices, potentially signaling a larger shift in their hardware strategy.