Apple’s CEO, John Ternus, recently confessed that the tech giant is “not able to predict when it’ll have enough iPhone Duos to go around.” This revelation came during an interview with Reuters, where Ternus highlighted that while Apple is diligently working to get the iPhone Duo into as many hands as possible, the precise moment when supply will meet demand remains a mystery. The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market, launched last month at a steep price of $1,999. It boasts a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen, making it a standout in the premium foldable segment. Preorders for the device sold out quickly, with some customers anticipating their units to arrive as early as 2027, while a limited number were also made available in-store at launch.

However, one could argue that Apple’s struggle with iPhone Duo supply is more a case of overambition than a lack of forecasting prowess. With a price tag nearly twice that of many flagship smartphones, Apple might have set itself up for supply constraints, especially given the novelty and premium positioning of the foldable. The company has a history of underestimating demand for its groundbreaking products—think the first iPhone, the original iPad, and even the latest M-series Mac chips—so it’s plausible that the iPhone Duo’s supply issues are a temporary hurdle rather than a sign of deeper supply chain woes.

Moreover, Apple’s penchant for vertical integration and proprietary components could be both a blessing and a curse here. By designing its own foldable displays and unique hinge mechanisms, Apple ensures a distinct user experience but also limits its ability to scale production quickly. Competitors like Samsung, with its Galaxy Z series, have shown that mass-market foldables can be produced at scale, albeit with slightly different features and price points. Apple’s reliance on a single supplier for its OLED displays and advanced manufacturing processes at its own facilities might be the bottleneck causing the supply constraints.

In addition, the timing of the iPhone Duo’s launch—just as the market is becoming more receptive to foldables after the initial hype of Samsung and Motorola—suggests that Apple may have missed the perfect window. By waiting until 2026 to introduce its foldable, Apple could have positioned itself as the pioneer of premium foldables, but the quick sell-out of preorders indicates strong initial demand. If Apple had staggered its launch or offered a wider range of configurations (e.g., different storage capacities or color options), it might have better managed supply and demand dynamics, keeping the hype alive and the supply chain smoother.

In conclusion, while Apple’s CEO Ternus is honest about the uncertainty surrounding iPhone Duo supply, the underlying reasons—ambitious pricing, vertical integration, and timing—point to manageable challenges rather than insurmountable ones. With continued production scaling and possibly more flexible launch strategies, Apple could soon have enough iPhone Duos to satisfy even the most eager foldable fans. So, while the wait might be a bit longer than expected, the iPhone Duo’s debut is a promising start for Apple’s foldable journey.