Apple iPhone Duo Delays Reach 2027 as AI Memory Costs Rise
Apple says iPhone Duo supply may not meet demand soon, with deliveries slipping into 2027 as AI-driven memory costs raise broader hardware price risks.
Summary
Apple COO Sabih Khan said during the fiscal fourth quarter earnings call on Monday, November 2, 2026, that iPhone Duo remains supply constrained. Production of the new foldable is ramping well, but Apple cannot predict when supply will match demand. Customers who missed Apple Store launch lines or immediate preorders face delivery in 2027, while Verizon is apologizing with gift cards. The Duo sold out on Apple’s website within hours. In October, Apple described demand as exceptional, and CEO John Ternus said reviewers and customers responded strongly.
AI industry demand is raising memory chip costs for hardware makers, threatening higher device prices. Khan said Apple has already increased prices on several products, reluctantly. The prolonged Duo shortage is notable given Apple’s supply chain reputation. To increase output, Apple is deepening its partnership with titanium producer Perryman, but despite that materials push and the advancing ramp, it gave no timetable for ending delays.
Positives
- iPhone Duo sold out on Apple’s website within hours, reflecting exceptional demand for the new foldable.
- Production is ramping well despite Apple’s inability to forecast when supply will meet demand.
- CEO John Ternus said early responses from reviewers and customers have been strong.
- Apple is deepening its Perryman partnership to secure titanium materials and support higher Duo production.
Risks & concerns
- iPhone Duo deliveries have slipped into 2027 for customers who missed launch lines or immediate preorders.
- Apple cannot predict when iPhone Duo supply and demand will return to balance.
- Verizon is apologizing for delays by offering affected customers gift cards.
- AI industry demand is increasing memory chip costs and threatening higher hardware prices.
- Apple has already raised prices on several products, with Sabih Khan describing the decisions as reluctant.
