.png){kind=logo}
Apple’s first foldable iPhone faces tighter launch supply after analyst Jeff Pu lowered his 2026 shipment forecast. Apple unveiled iPhone Duo on September 9, with Indian preorders starting October 16 and sales beginning October 23.
Pu expects Apple to ship about 6 million Duo units this year, down from his earlier estimate of 7 million. His research note, cited by 9to5Mac and Times of India, points to ‘hinge constraints’ instead of weaker demand.
The production issue could limit early availability as Apple scales its first foldable design for global distribution. Apple expects around 72 million iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units to ship during 2026.
That forecast puts projected Pro shipments at roughly twelve times the expected iPhone Duo volume. The gap highlights how difficult foldable hardware remains to manufacture at the scale of standard flagship phones.
Duo uses a precision titanium hinge and a layered inner OLED display for its folding design. Apple says the phone carries a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen.
The device also features an A20 Pro chip and a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system. Apple lists four storage options from 256GB through 2TB, with Indian pricing starting at Rs. 2,99,900.
Apple will open preorders in India at 5:30 PM IST on October 16 through its sales channels. Availability will begin October 23 through Apple’s online store and selected partner retailers across India.
Reports indicate hinge manufacturing requires tight tolerances, making production scaling more difficult than conventional iPhone assembly. Supplier yield issues can further reduce usable hinge components when manufacturers apply strict quality checks.
Additional reliability testing can also slow production while Apple validates the folding mechanism for repeated use. Limited output could create longer delivery windows, especially for higher storage configurations during the opening sales period.
Apple has not indicated a launch delay, while current information points toward constrained quantities rather than postponement. The shipment revision therefore puts the hinge at the center of the iPhone Duo’s early availability.
Also Read: Apple Stock Outlook: iPhone 18 Cycle Puts AAPL in Focus
