Apple admits iPhone Duo shortage could last until 2027

Apple cannot say when its first foldable smartphone will be available to everyone who wants one. CEO John Ternus told Reuters on Sunday that the company is "working hard to get it to as many customers as quickly as possible, but at this point, we’re not able to predict when supply and demand will be in balance." The statement offers no specific date for when production will meet consumer demand.

The iPhone Duo launched last month at a price of $1,999. It features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen. Preorders for the device sold out rapidly. Apple stated that some shipments will not arrive until 2027. The company also placed a limited number of units on store shelves at launch to satisfy immediate demand.

Supply chain issues are driving the scarcity. Ternus noted that the company has faced constraints and rising memory costs for months. These factors led to price increases across Apple's product lineup, including higher starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. During the Q4 2026 earnings call on Monday, Ternus described current memory pricing as "unprecedented." He added that Apple expects "even higher memory costs" during the December quarter, though recent price hikes partly offset the impact.

Ternus also addressed reports of cracked screens on the new device. He said that "a very small percentage" of iPhone Duos were returned for this issue. Apple is replacing the affected units.

Despite the lack of a standard iPhone 18 model, Apple reported record-breaking iPhone revenue. The company earned $57.58 billion during its fourth quarter.