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, a reduction from an earlier projection of 7 million, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The primary reason cited for this limitation is manufacturing delays stemming from challenges with the hinge mechanism's folding capabilities, not a lack of consumer demand.

This limited supply is particularly noteworthy as the iPhone Duo's release follows the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models by over a month. Pre-orders for the foldable device are set to open on October 16, with the first shipments scheduled for October 23. In contrast, 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 iPhone Duo.

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

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 limited commercial success of Samsung's previous foldable models, including a $2,900 device launched in January that was reportedly discontinued after three months due to low sales and potential losses.

Samsung has also reportedly criticized the iPhone Duo's reported weight, though Apple's device boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, surpassing Samsung's latest foldable's IP48 rating. Samsung's upcoming Trifold model aims to compete by offering a unique triple-folding design.