Production of the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable smartphone, remains problematic due to failure to meet manufacturing standards, resulting in a pass rate of about 60 percent and potential shortages at official launch.
China's Jiemian News revealed that Apple may prepare only 6-8 million iPhone Duo units for the rest of this year because its production line is still facing difficulties during assembly, with a pass rate of just 60 percent.
This target of 6-8 million units is low compared to flagship models like the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, which typically have production volumes of 20-30 million units each.
Reports state suppliers estimate it will take at least six more months for production rates to reach a "complete" level, which is lower than the standards for other iPhone models Apple has produced. However, this is not surprising given the iPhone Duo's almost entirely new design.
A source told Jiemian that Apple is unwilling to relax its strict quality standards for the iPhone Duo, causing production rates to fall below expectations, which may lead to shortages during the initial sales period.
In Thailand, the iPhone Duo is available for pre-order starting 16 October at 7:00 p.m., priced from 79,900 baht. Its distinctive design differs from typical iPhones, potentially appealing to a narrower customer segment than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Additionally, the foldable smartphone market remains a niche. Selling 6-8 million units initially would be considered a successful launch, but the iPhone Duo's future depends on sustained popularity—whether it remains a device for early adopters or becomes widely adopted remains uncertain.