Apple Lifts iPhone Duo Production Target to 14 Million Units Amid Strong Demand
Apple has increased its iPhone Duo production target from 9.7 million to 14 million units, a 44% boost driven by strong pre-orders for its first foldable smartphone. Supply chain sources indicate the revised figure covers a 12-month period. While Apple describes demand as extraordinary, manufacturing challenges remain. The device launches October 23 at $1,999, contributing to projected global foldable market growth of 25.7% in 2026.
Key points
- Apple, the consumer electronics giant, has reportedly instructed suppliers to increase iPhone Duo production by 44%, raising the target from 9.7 million to 14 million units.
- The production increase, attributed to DigiTimes and supply chain sources, covers a full 12-month period and follows strong pre-orders for the company's first foldable iPhone.
- The iPhone Duo launches on October 23, with U.S. pricing starting at $1,999, and early shipping estimates extended to January 25 within 30 minutes of pre-orders opening.
- Apple executives described demand as 'nothing short of extraordinary,' yet DigiTimes notes that assembly, display, and hinge manufacturing difficulties could challenge the higher shipment targets.
- DigiTimes forecasts global foldable smartphone shipments will grow 25.7% in 2026 and 59.1% in 2027, with Apple's entry expected to drive this expansion compared to 7.4% growth in 2025.
- Apple retail staff have been advised to warn customers against walk-in purchases without pre-orders, as initial stock availability on launch day may be limited.
Apple has reportedly increased its production target for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, by 44%. According to DigiTimes, supply chain sources indicate that Foxconn and component manufacturers have received instructions to raise output from 9.7 million to 14 million units. This revised target covers a full 12-month period and follows strong pre-orders for the device. Apple recently characterized the demand as "nothing short of extraordinary," noting that U.S. shipping estimates extended to January 25 within 30 minutes of pre-orders opening on October 16.
Despite the optimistic outlook, meeting the higher shipment target may prove challenging. DigiTimes reports that output will depend on assembly progress, as earlier manufacturing difficulties affected components such as displays and hinges. The iPhone Duo is scheduled to launch on October 23, with U.S. pricing starting at $1,999. To manage inventory, Apple has reportedly advised retail staff to warn customers against visiting stores without a pre-order, as initial stock may be limited.
The move is expected to impact the broader foldable smartphone market. DigiTimes forecasts that global foldable shipments will grow 25.7% in 2026 and 59.1% in 2027, a significant acceleration from the 7.4% growth recorded in 2025. Apple's entry into the foldable segment is anticipated to contribute significantly to this expansion, potentially reshaping consumer expectations and competitive dynamics in the high-end smartphone sector.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.
