Apple Lifts Foldable Target to 14M Units
Surging pre-order demand has forced the tech giant to significantly increase production forecasts for its new folding device.
By Gabriela Flores ·
Apple has raised its shipment forecast for the iPhone Duo to 14 million units for the first 12 months, a substantial jump from the initial target of 9.7 million. This significant upward revision reflects a dramatic shift in supply chain planning, driven by what the company has characterized as exceptional consumer interest in its first folding smartphone.
The surge in orders became evident almost immediately after pre-orders opened on Friday. Customers reported that estimated delivery dates slipped within minutes of the launch window, with some initial estimates stretching into late January. While early confusion arose as to whether these delays were due to supply constraints or overwhelming demand, the latest supply chain data confirms the latter as the primary driver.
To manage the volume, Apple implemented a limit of two units per customer, a measure designed to mitigate the impact of scalpers. As production capacity ramps up, early adopters are already seeing their expected shipping dates move earlier. DigiTimes reports that these adjustments are part of a broader effort to meet the heightened demand that has outpaced initial projections.
Contextually, Apple has a history of using the term “extraordinary” to describe demand for its flagship launches. However, the scale of this order boost suggests a stronger market response than typical for a new product category. The company is leveraging its existing manufacturing relationships to accelerate output, aiming to deliver on the increased 14-million-unit target without further significant delays.
Despite the strong sales figures, early users are navigating a transitional period regarding software compatibility. Third-party applications have not yet been fully optimized for the new device, though Apple states that developer adoption is improving rapidly. Initial reviews based on a week of usage highlight app support as a key area of focus for the ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the hardware roadmap appears to be evolving quickly in response to user feedback. While the current iPhone Duo utilizes Touch ID, reports indicate that Apple is already testing prototypes for the next iteration, the iPhone Duo 2, which may feature Face ID. This rapid iteration cycle underscores the company's commitment to refining the folding form factor in response to both market performance and technical constraints.
Source: 9to5Mac
