Apple can’t predict when iPhone Duo supply will catch up with demand

Breaking News Apple CEO John Ternus says the company still cannot predict when iPhone Duo supply will finally catch up with demand, as the foldable remains heavily constrained more than a week after launch.

Speaking to Reuters following Apple’s latest earnings results, Ternus said iPhone Duo remains supply constrained and that Apple is still working to increase production as quickly as possible.

“Duo is constrained as of today,” Ternus said, adding that the production ramp is progressing but Apple is “not able to predict when supply and demand will be in balance.”

The comments provide the clearest indication yet that Apple does not expect iPhone Duo availability to normalize imminently. The Apple Post reported before launch that iPhone Duo was shaping up to be one of Apple’s tightest product launches in years, with manufacturing challenges surrounding the foldable display and hinge limiting early output.

Shipping estimates have remained stretched since pre-orders sold out rapidly on October 16, with some configurations slipping into January. The shortage has also made in-store availability inconsistent, prompting buyers to rely on live stock-tracking tools to find iPhone Duo units at Apple Stores.

Apple has not disclosed how many iPhone Duo units it has produced or sold, making it difficult to separate the effect of demand from limited supply. The Apple Post previously examined whether the long wait times were being driven by demand, constrained production, or both, with the available evidence pointing to a combination of the two.

Ternus also addresses iPhone Duo display issue

Ternus also commented on the inner-display cracking issue affecting some iPhone Duo devices. He told Reuters that a “very small percentage” of units have been returned with display problems and confirmed that Apple is replacing affected devices.

Apple previously acknowledged the display issue and advised customers experiencing problems to contact AppleCare. The company has since issued repair guidance to Apple Stores and authorized service providers, while maintaining that only a small number of devices are affected.

The ongoing supply shortage has complicated that process for some customers. Some iPhone Duo owners have struggled to obtain immediate replacement units because Apple Stores do not always have sufficient inventory available for swaps.

Ternus’s comments came shortly after Apple reported record fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $114.5 billion. Those results did not include iPhone Duo sales because the device launched in October, after the quarter ended in September.

iPhone Duo launched on October 23 starting at $1,999 in the United States and £1,999 in the United Kingdom. Apple has not provided a forecast for when availability will improve enough for supply to meet demand.