Abstract:
Apple announced on October 20, local time, that it would add a U.S.-based titanium metal supplier for its first foldable screen phone, iPhone Duo, and expand the production scale of some key components in the United States. This move is seen as an important step for Apple to promote its US manufacturing strategy, and it also occurs against the backdrop of iPhone Duo facing supply constraints.
According to information released by Apple, the company will invest up to US$100 million in Pennsylvania titanium manufacturer Perryman Company over the next three years to purchase titanium materials used in Apple products, including the US$1,999 folding screen mobile phone iPhone Duo.
Perryman Company is headquartered in Houston, Pennsylvania. The company will complete the smelting, forging and rolling production processes of titanium materials at local factories, with at least 80% of the materials used coming from recycled titanium resources. Apple said these high-strength titanium materials will be used in the manufacturing of iPhone Duo casings to provide higher durability for its first folding screen device.
In addition to titanium materials, Apple has also expanded the scope of cooperation with Delaware company Qnity Electronics. The latter will be involved in the production of key film materials required for the iPhone 18 Pro’s new variable aperture camera system. Apple claims that this camera system is one of the most advanced iPhone imaging solutions to date, enabling a higher level of light control and depth of field performance.
Apple revealed that currently nearly 100 components for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro are manufactured by American companies, with suppliers located in more than a dozen states. The company also said it has supply chain partners in all 50 states and supports more than 450,000 jobs.
This announcement is also part of Apple’s “American Manufacturing Program.” The project, launched last year, is an important part of Apple's US$600 billion U.S. manufacturing and innovation investment commitment over the next four years, with the goal of expanding advanced manufacturing and key component production capabilities in the United States.
Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan said that from the titanium used in iPhone Duo to the advanced camera technology of iPhone 18 Pro, American companies are providing more and more important materials and core components for Apple’s latest products, and the company will continue to expand cooperation with local manufacturers.
At the same time, Apple is facing supply pressure in the early stages of the iPhone Duo's launch. According to reports, on the first day of pre-orders, the estimated delivery time for some models was extended to about 14 weeks, setting one of the longest wait records for new iPhone products tracked by Morgan Stanley in the past decade. As retail channels will start selling this folding screen mobile phone this week, whether the supply chain can quickly increase production capacity has become the focus of the market.
In addition to material procurement, Apple has continued to expand its domestic manufacturing capabilities in the United States in recent years. The company said that TSMC's Arizona factory will produce more than 100 million chips for Apple in 2026; Corning's Kentucky factory plans to provide protective glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches sold globally by the end of this year. In addition, Apple also opened an advanced manufacturing center in Houston, Texas, in August this year. The facility also undertakes the production of AI servers and plans to start manufacturing Mac mini products.
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