Abstract:
Apple’s first foldable screen phone, iPhone Duo, is reportedly experiencing production difficulties before it is scheduled to go on sale in October. The initial production volume may be limited. Sources close to Foxconn’s supply chain revealed to China’s Interface News that as of September 17, the final assembly yield was only slightly over 60%. According to Apple's current quality standards, it may take another six months to a year for the production line to reach mature yields.
Sources said that Foxconn is repeatedly adjusting equipment, assembly processes and production parameters to expand iPhone Duo production capacity. Suppliers are waiting to see whether Apple will relax some quality requirements to speed up production. The problem isn't just in the final assembly, either. "Interface News" reported that the folding OLED panels and hinge components provided by Samsung Display have experienced low yields, delivery delays and design adjustments. Delays in parts have further reduced the time for assembly plants to debug production lines.
Apple had tested liquid metal on some hinge components, but re-evaluated this plan before mass production. Apple said the iPhone Duo's hinge contains more than 100 parts and uses a 3D printed outer cover.
A supply chain source revealed that Apple has set a global stocking target of approximately 6 million to 8 million units for iPhone Duo in 2026. The report compared this figure to the 20 million to 30 million units a single iPhone Pro or Pro Max model typically ships throughout its product cycle. Another person in the retail channel said that Apple’s sales guidance for the machine exceeds 5 million units.
Another report from MyDrivers stated that a foundry had asked Apple to choose between prioritizing improving yield and expanding production. Speeding up production lines can increase the number of phones that can be sold, but it can also lead to more defective products and drive up scrap costs.
Apple has released iPhone Duo on September 9, and plans to start pre-orders on October 16 and officially go on sale on October 23; the starting price in the United States is US$1,999.
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