Apple ramps up production of its new folding phone
The tech giant has reportedly increased its shipment targets for the device by more than 40% following high pre-order demand.
By Yasmin Duda ·
Apple is reportedly ramping up production of its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, in response to what it described as "extraordinary" demand. According to supply chain reports, the company has increased its shipment targets for the device by more than 40% to meet customer interest.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened on Friday, and delivery dates were pushed back within minutes. Some customers were initially given estimated delivery dates in late January. Apple attributed this to strong demand for the new device and also limited orders to two per customer to combat scalping.
A DigiTimes report based on information from supply chain sources indicates that Apple has boosted its shipment targets from 9.7 million to 14 million units over the first 12 months of sales. The report suggests that Apple anticipates strong demand for the device to continue.
The company's decision to increase production comes as some customers who initially received later delivery dates have since been given earlier shipping estimates. This change in delivery times may be linked to the reported increase in the device's shipment targets.
Early customers of the iPhone Duo are dealing with a lack of third-party apps that are optimized for the new device. Apple has stated that the situation is improving as developers begin to create apps for the new phone.
Reviews based on a week of usage with the device have identified app support as one of five key takeaways. Another takeaway from early reviews is the device's use of Touch ID instead of Face ID.
A report from October 22 indicates that Apple is already testing prototypes for the iPhone Duo 2 with Face ID. This suggests the company may be preparing for a future version of the device with different authentication technology.
The company has not commented on the reports of increased production for the iPhone Duo. Apple's decision to ramp up production follows a period of high demand for the device, which led to extended delivery dates for customers who pre-ordered.
Source: 9to5Mac · original report published
