Apple iPhone Duo Sells Out Amid Supply Chain Crunch

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has completely sold out following its launch last month, leaving customers facing an uncertain wait for availability. The high-end device, priced at $1,999, was an immediate commercial success, but significant supply chain constraints mean that early shipments are not expected to arrive until 2027.

During a recent interview with Reuters, Apple executive John Ternus acknowledged the severity of the situation. He stated that while the company is working hard to get the device to as many customers as quickly as possible, they are currently unable to predict when supply and demand will reach a balance. This lack of a timeline highlights the deep logistical challenges Apple is navigating in its push into the foldable market.

The iPhone Duo features a unique dual-screen design, boasting a 5.4-inch outer display and a larger 7.6-inch inner screen. While preorders quickly vanished online, Apple did make a limited number of units available in physical stores at launch. However, the overwhelming consumer demand has far exceeded the initial production capacity, turning what was intended to be a steady rollout into a prolonged scarcity scenario.

Beyond manufacturing bottlenecks, Apple is grappling with surging component costs. Ternus revealed during Apple’s Q4 2026 earnings call that the company is witnessing "unprecedented" memory pricing. These rising costs have forced Apple to increase prices across its broader product lineup, including higher starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.

Looking ahead, Ternus noted that Apple expects memory costs to rise even further during the December quarter. However, he added that these increased expenses are partly offset by the recent price hikes implemented across the company's portfolio. The financial pressure from raw materials is compounding the difficulties of scaling up production for a complex new form factor.

Despite the production headaches and cost pressures, Apple’s core business remains robust. In the fourth quarter, the company reported record-breaking iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion. This strong performance occurred even without the introduction of a standard iPhone 18 model, underscoring the enduring strength of the brand and the premium positioning of its devices.

Consumer concerns regarding the durability of the new device have also emerged. Ternus addressed reports of cracked screens on the iPhone Duo, clarifying that only a "very small percentage" of units were returned for this specific issue. He confirmed that Apple is actively replacing affected devices, aiming to maintain quality standards despite the rushed nature of the new product launch.

The situation with the iPhone Duo reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where innovation often outpaces supply chain readiness. As competitors race to perfect foldable technology, manufacturers are finding that securing adequate components and managing production scales are just as critical as the design itself. For now, eager buyers must wait, with the resolution of the shortage remaining unclear.

“Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo has sold out with no restock date, as executive John Ternus cites unprecedented memory costs and production delays.”