The iPhone Duo is reportedly facing production challenges ahead of its October launch, with initial production expected to be limited.
A person close to Foxconn’s supply chain said ChinaIt is Jiemian News that final assembly yields for Apple’s first foldable iPhone were only slightly above 60% as of September 17. The source said that based on Apple’s current quality standards, it could take another six months to a year for the assembly line to reach mature output.
According to the source, Foxconn is repeatedly adjusting equipment, assembly processes and production parameters while manufacturing the iPhone Duo on a large scale. The source also said suppliers were waiting to see if Apple would relax quality requirements to speed up production.
The problems apparently extend beyond final assembly. Jiemian News said Samsung Display’s foldable OLED panels and hinge components had experienced low yields, delayed deliveries and design changes. Delays in these parts leave less time for the assembler to adjust their production line.
The publication adds that Apple tested Liquid Metal for some hinge parts before re-evaluating the approach ahead of mass production. Apple says its hinge contains more than 100 components and has a 3D printed cover.
A supply chain source also said Jiemian News that Apple’s global storage target for the iPhone Duo in 2026 is around six to eight million units. The publication compared this figure with typical shipments of 20 to 30 million units over a full product cycle for an individual iPhone Pro or Pro Max model. Another retail source said Apple’s sales forecast exceeds five million units.
In another report, MyDrivers claims that one of the device’s contract manufacturers asked Apple to choose between prioritizing yield and increasing production. The site suggested that operating the production line more intensively could produce more salable phones, but with the side effect of more defective units and higher disposal costs.
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9. Pre-orders are expected to begin on October 16th with availability following on October 23rd. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States.
