Apple's First Foldable iPhone to Launch with Limited Stock Amid Production Issues

Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Duo," is expected to launch in 2026 with significantly lower initial production numbers than previously forecast. Analyst Jeff Pu estimates Apple will ship only 6 million units, down from an earlier projection of 7 million, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The primary reason cited for this reduction is manufacturing delays related to the hinge mechanism's "folding axis limitations," not a lack of consumer demand.

This limited supply is particularly noteworthy as the iPhone Duo's pre-orders are set to open on October 16th, with first shipments beginning October 23rd, more than a month after the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Pu projects Apple will ship approximately 72 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models by the end of the year, roughly twelve times the forecast for the foldable device.

The iPhone Duo will debut in the U.S. with a starting price of $1,999, marking the highest launch price ever for an iPhone. For the first time, the device will be available in Israel concurrently with its global release. Initial pricing in Israel has been revealed by the network Pelephone, with the 256GB model costing 8,199 ILS, the 512GB at 8,799 ILS, the 1TB at 9,999 ILS, and the 2TB version priced at 12,199 ILS.

Meanwhile, Samsung appears to be reacting to Apple's entry into the foldable market. Reports suggest Samsung is accelerating the launch of its "Galaxy Z Trifold 2," a device featuring a double fold that opens into three sections. This move comes despite the commercial struggles of Samsung's previous foldable, the original Galaxy Z Trifold, which launched in the U.S. in January for $2,900 and was discontinued after three months amid reports of losses.

Further competition is evident in durability features. While Samsung's latest foldable has an IP48 rating, leaving it vulnerable to dust, the iPhone Duo boasts an IP68 rating, indicating complete dust resistance. Samsung's upcoming Trifold model is expected to compete with a similar price point and its new design aims to address the growing competition in the foldable smartphone sector.