# Apple Faces Uncertain Supply Timeline for iPhone Duo Foldables CEO John Ternus cites unprecedented memory costs and supply constraints for ongoing shortages. - **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3b57a0a4-6128-4d8d-8b73-6220d53b2a18 ## Supply Chain Uncertainty Persists Apple CEO John Ternus recently confirmed that the company cannot predict when iPhone Duo supply will meet consumer demand. Despite efforts to accelerate production, the foldable device remains constrained. This situation follows the product's launch last month, where initial preorders sold out rapidly, pushing some delivery estimates well into the year 2027. ## Unprecedented Memory Cost Pressures A primary driver behind these challenges is the unprecedented surge in memory pricing. During the Q4 2026 earnings call, Ternus noted that these costs are expected to rise further throughout the December quarter. While Apple has implemented price increases across its product lineup to offset these expenses, the financial impact remains a significant operational hurdle. ## Foldable Hardware Specifications The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first entry into the foldable market, retails at $1,999. The device features a 5.4-inch outer display paired with a 7.6-inch inner screen. Limited quantities were made available in retail stores at launch, but the high demand quickly exhausted local inventory, leaving many customers waiting for future replenishment of stock. ## Addressing Screen Quality Concerns Apple has acknowledged reports regarding cracked screens on the new foldable units. John Ternus stated that only a very small percentage of devices have been returned for this specific issue. The company is actively managing these returns by providing replacements to affected users, aiming to maintain brand standards despite the complex manufacturing process involved. ## Record Revenue Amid Constraints Despite the supply chain difficulties and the absence of a standard iPhone 18 model, Apple achieved record-breaking iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion in the fourth quarter. This financial performance highlights the strength of the premium segment, even as the company navigates higher starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. ## Strategic Pricing Adjustments The company is utilizing price adjustments to mitigate the impact of rising component costs. These increases are visible across the current product lineup, including the flagship Pro series. Apple’s leadership maintains that these strategic moves are necessary to balance the financial pressure caused by the current volatility in the global memory component market. ## Operational Challenges in Manufacturing The production of foldable devices involves intricate supply chain coordination, particularly regarding specialized display and memory components. Apple’s inability to forecast a balance between supply and demand suggests that these manufacturing complexities are not easily resolved. The company continues to prioritize volume, yet the current market environment limits their ability to scale production. ## Future Market Outlook Looking ahead, the focus remains on stabilizing the supply of the iPhone Duo while managing the rising costs of essential hardware components. Investors and consumers should monitor the December quarter results to see if the current price offsets effectively stabilize margins. The long-term success of Apple’s foldable strategy depends on resolving these supply bottlenecks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024915/apple-iphone-duo-supply-chain-constraints — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._