Apple confirmed that it cannot forecast when the supply of its new iPhone Duo will align with the strong demand, highlighting a combination of record memory prices and broader component shortages.
What changed
The Verge reported that senior Apple executive John Ternus described current memory pricing as unprecedented during the company’s fourth‑quarter 2026 earnings call. He added that the firm expects memory costs to rise further in the December quarter, a trend partially offset by recent price hikes across the product lineup, including higher starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
TechCrunch noted that Apple chief operating officer Sabih Khan echoed the supply challenge, stating that the iPhone Duo is constrained and that predicting a balance between supply and demand is difficult. He also mentioned that the ramp‑up of production is proceeding well despite the constraints.
Why it matters
Both sources indicate that the memory cost surge is linked to soaring demand from the artificial intelligence sector, a factor pressuring hardware makers across the industry. Apple’s own price adjustments, described by both outlets, suggest the company is attempting to mitigate the impact of higher component costs on its customers.
Customers who missed the initial launch window are now facing shipment dates extending into the following year, according to TechCrunch. Verizon has responded by offering gift cards to affected customers, illustrating the broader consumer impact of the delay.
What remains unclear
The Verge mentioned that a very small percentage of iPhone Duo units were returned for cracked screens, and Apple is replacing those devices, but did not provide exact figures or timelines for the replacements.
While the company has deepened its partnership with titanium supplier Perryman to secure materials for the foldable device, neither source gives a clear projection of when the supply constraints might ease.
Apple reported record iPhone revenue of $57.58 billion for the quarter, yet the exact contribution of the iPhone Duo to that figure remains undisclosed.
