iPhone Duo Shipment Target Jumps From 9.7 Million to 14 Million Units

Apple's first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, is seeing its production numbers climb sharply. Supply chain reports indicate the company has ramped up orders by more than 40% to meet pre-order demand. This increase follows a report from DigiTimes based on information from sources within Apple's supply chain.

The decision to boost production targets stems from what Apple described as "extraordinary" demand for its newest device. Pre-orders opened on Friday, and customers who attempted to buy the device immediately received extended delivery estimates. Some of those initial estimates pushed out into late January, indicating that the company had quickly sold through its initial stock.

Apple has a history of using the word "extraordinary" to describe the launch of any new iPhone model, so the phrase alone does not confirm the level of demand. In an effort to prevent scalpers from buying up inventory, Apple also placed a strict limit on purchases, allowing customers to buy no more than two units each.

While initial wait times stretched into next year, the company has since increased its shipment targets for the first 12 months. The report indicates that Apple expects the iPhone Duo's shipment numbers to rise from 9.7 million units to 14 million units. This substantial increase suggests the company expects strong demand for the device to continue over the coming year.

Some customers who placed orders during the initial rush have also seen their estimated delivery dates move up to earlier windows. This change in delivery timing aligns with the reports of increased production, as Apple works to fulfill orders more quickly. The company is preparing to ship more units to meet the initial wave of purchases.

Early users of the iPhone Duo are facing a period where many third-party applications are not yet optimized for the new form factor. Apple acknowledges that the situation is changing quickly as developers adjust their software for the device. Reviews based on one week of usage have consistently noted app support as a major concern.

The first reviews also pointed out that Apple made a downgrade to Touch ID for this model. According to a report published today, the company is already testing prototypes for a second version of the device. These iPhone Duo 2 prototypes are reportedly equipped with Face ID, which would return the feature to the phone.