Sold Out on Launch Day With Premium Over 30%
Apple's first foldable-screen phone, iPhone Duo, went on sale on October 23, with all models sold out on the first day across the official website and major channels, with Taiwan securities analyst Guo Rongzhe also saying he failed to secure a unit. Due to supply falling short of demand, second-wave delivery has been delayed to January 22, 2027. The shortage has pushed second-hand resale prices to 3068 U.S. dollars, compared with a minimum entry price of 2300 U.S. dollars, a premium of more than 33%, reflecting consumer anticipation for Apple's first foldable phone.
Stocking Raised to 10 Million Units to Chase Market Share
Faced with demand far exceeding expectations, Apple has reportedly asked the supply chain to accelerate production at full speed and urgently added about 30% in orders to meet surging demand. According to Wallstreetcn and market research estimates, Apple had originally expected stocking of only 6 million units this year, now sharply revised up to 8 million to 10 million units, with 2027 shipments seen reaching 33 million units. If the shipment target is met, iPhone Duo could capture about 40% of the global foldable market next year, likely overtaking Samsung and reshaping the global smartphone landscape.
Taiwan Assemblers and Component Makers Benefit
With the foldable boom, the Taiwan supply chain is a key driver. Final assembly of iPhone Duo is handled exclusively by Hon Hai (2317), core processor chips are made by TSMC (2330), and key hinge components are supplied by a joint venture of Hon Hai and Shin Zu Shing (3376), with U.S.-based Amphenol as the second supplier. The follow-on orders have driven upward revisions to shipment expectations, with the market positive on follow-on momentum for core component and assembly suppliers.
Yield Rates and Ramp-up Progress Are Key
Industry watchers note the tight first-wave supply was partly due to assembly yields and partly because demand exceeded Apple's original expectations, and a widening supply gap could hurt subsequent market plans. Facing consumer-electronics life-cycle pressures, Apple has ordered suppliers to accelerate rush production. Analysts note foldable structures and assembly are far more difficult than for conventional phones, with hinge capacity and assembly yields critical to shipment speed, and supply mix, product pricing and ramp-up progress, as well as how orders translate into actual profit, bear watching.