# Apple Faces Uncertain Supply Timeline for New iPhone Duo Foldable Unprecedented memory costs and high demand create ongoing supply chain constraints for Apple. - **Source:** [The Verge (theverge.com)](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9ebd1194-34e4-41b6-a839-201c26b3e74d ## Supply Chain Uncertainty Persists Apple CEO John Ternus recently confirmed that the company cannot predict when supply and demand for the new iPhone Duo will stabilize. Despite efforts to accelerate production, the foldable device remains constrained. This lack of a clear timeline follows the product's launch last month, leaving many customers waiting for their orders. ## Record Revenue Amid Constraints Apple reported record-breaking iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion during the fourth quarter of 2026. This financial success occurred even without the release of a standard iPhone 18 model. The company continues to navigate complex supply chain challenges while maintaining strong sales performance across its premium product lineup despite the ongoing shortages. ## Unprecedented Memory Cost Pressures John Ternus highlighted that Apple is currently facing unprecedented memory pricing, which has significantly impacted production costs. These rising expenses have already triggered price increases across the broader product portfolio, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Apple anticipates these costs will climb even higher during the upcoming December quarter. ## Foldable Market Entry Details The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable device, launched with a $1,999 price tag. It features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen. Preorders sold out rapidly, with some shipping estimates extending into 2027. While limited units were available in-store at launch, the initial inventory was insufficient to meet the high consumer demand. ## Addressing Hardware Quality Concerns Apple has addressed reports regarding cracked screens on the new iPhone Duo units. CEO John Ternus stated that only a very small percentage of devices have been returned for this specific issue. The company is actively replacing affected units, maintaining its standard warranty and support protocols for early adopters of the new foldable hardware. ## Mitigating Financial Impact To counter the surge in memory costs, Apple has implemented strategic price adjustments across its hardware lineup. Ternus noted that these recent price increases are partly offsetting the financial burden of the current market volatility. The company remains focused on balancing these rising component costs while protecting its overall profit margins during this period. ## Strategic Production Challenges The difficulty in scaling production for the iPhone Duo reflects the broader challenges of manufacturing complex foldable technology. Apple must balance the high-precision requirements of the 7.6-inch inner screen with the current scarcity of necessary memory components. This situation highlights the operational risks inherent in introducing new form factors during periods of inflation. ## Future Market Outlook As Apple moves into the December quarter, the primary focus remains on stabilizing the supply chain for its premium devices. Investors and consumers are watching to see if the current price increases will successfully mitigate the impact of rising memory costs. The company's ability to manage these constraints will define its short-term hardware growth. ## 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._