Production Issues May Delay Launch of Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo

According to supply chain sources cited by China’s Jiemian News, assembly yields at Foxconn were just over 60% by mid-September. Industry experts suggest that under Apple's strict quality control standards, it may take an additional six to twelve months to achieve acceptable production yields.

Foxconn is working to optimize its factory machinery and assembly processes to improve efficiency for the dual-screen device. Component suppliers are monitoring whether Apple will ease its stringent quality requirements to speed up production.

A report from MyDrivers notes that a key contract manufacturer has pushed Apple to choose between improving production yield and increasing device output. While ramping up assembly lines could boost unit production, it risks a rise in defective units and higher factory scrap costs.

Delays in component manufacturing are compounding the supply issues. Samsung Display's foldable OLED panels and complex hinge mechanisms have faced yield problems, leading to postponed deliveries and revisions in engineering. These delays impact Foxconn's timeline for calibrating its assembly lines, especially since the hinge contains over 100 parts within a 3D-printed casing. Apple had previously considered using Liquid Metal alloy for some hinge components but reassessed its approach before beginning mass production.

Apple aims to stock between six million and eight million units of the iPhone Duo through 2026, a conservative target compared to the usual 20 million to 30 million units produced for standard flagship iPhone Pro models. However, internal sales projections anticipate demand may exceed five million units.

The iPhone Duo was announced during Apple's media event on September 9 and features a dual-screen design that combines into a single frame with a foldable inner OLED display. It is priced starting at $1,999 in the United States, with pre-orders set to open on October 16 and retail availability anticipated on October 23.