Apple Lifts Duo Production Targets

Apple is reportedly pushing factory lines to their limits to meet demand for its new folding device.

According to reports from supply chain sources, the company has raised its production targets for the iPhone Duo by more than 40 percent. Apple has attributed this surge to what it characterized as extraordinary demand for the handset. The move comes as customers who attempted to pre-order the device on Friday found delivery dates slipping within minutes of the window opening.

Apple had initially projected shipment volumes of 9.7 million units over the first year on the market. However, those figures have been revised upward to 14 million units. This increase suggests that the company expects the current level of interest to persist well into the coming months. At the time pre-orders went live, Apple limited purchases to a maximum of two per customer in an effort to curb scalping activity.

The immediate availability of the iPhone Duo was complicated by a shortage of inventory. Delivery estimates for some customers extended into late January. Apple stated that the device was in such high demand that it could not fulfill orders immediately. Some buyers who secured a slot in the initial wave later received notifications that their shipping estimates had been moved to earlier dates.

The iPhone Duo represents Apple's first entry into the folding phone category. The device has been on sale for several weeks. Early reviews based on a week of usage have been generally favorable, though critics have noted that the device faces some challenges.

A recurring point in early assessments concerns third-party software. Apple has acknowledged that many apps are not yet optimized for the new form factor. The company has stated that the situation is improving rapidly as developers update their software. Reviews have identified the state of app support as a primary takeaway from the first week with the device.

Another point of discussion among reviewers has been the reliance on Touch ID rather than Face ID for biometric authentication. Despite the current hardware configuration, development work continues on future iterations. Reports indicate that Apple is already testing prototypes for a second-generation iPhone Duo that incorporates Face ID technology.

The decision to increase shipment targets signals confidence in the product's longevity. As production ramps up to meet the revised figures of 14 million units, the company is working to clear the initial backlog of orders. The situation regarding app optimization remains a focus for Apple as it seeks to improve the user experience for early adopters.