iPhone Duo Production: Apple Increases Orders Amid Unprecedented Pre-Order Demand

Apple has moved to substantially increase production of its new folding iPhone, the iPhone Duo, following a surge in pre-orders that has pushed delivery estimates for some customers into January 2027. According to supply chain reports, the company has raised its shipment targets by over 40% to meet what it has called 'extraordinary' demand.

The decision to boost production comes after pre-orders for the device opened on a Friday and were met with an immediate rush. Within minutes, customers who attempted to place an order were presented with extended delivery dates, with some estimates extending into late January 2027. Apple has attributed this to the high volume of pre-orders for its first folding iPhone. To manage the situation and deter resellers, the company has limited purchases to a maximum of two units per customer.

The company's shipment target for the device over its first 12 months has been revised from 9.7 million units to 14 million. This adjustment indicates that Apple anticipates demand for the new form factor will remain strong. This ramp-up in production may explain why some customers who initially received later delivery estimates subsequently saw their shipping dates moved to earlier in the year.

The iPhone Duo represents a significant new category for the company, and early adopters are navigating the initial challenges that accompany any new product launch. Reviews published after a week of use have highlighted one key issue: a number of third-party applications are not yet optimized for the device's unique form factor. Apple has stated that developers are actively working on updates and the situation is improving rapidly.

Another point raised in early reviews is the device's use of Touch ID for biometric authentication, a step down from the Face ID technology present on other flagship models. However, a report published today indicates that Apple is already testing prototypes for a second-generation iPhone Duo that would incorporate Face ID, suggesting the company is already working to address this point in a future iteration. These developments underscore the high initial demand for the device, which Apple has responded to by increasing manufacturing capacity.