iPhone Duo report just revealed how many Apple is producing — there's good and bad news

A recent report from Chinese publication Jiemian News has revealed both positive and negative aspects of iPhone Duo production. The article indicates that Apple has not yet achieved its desired mass production ramp-up for the first foldable phone. Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing partner, has only managed a 60% yield rate during a limited production run.

This yield percentage means that 40% of the devices produced have some flaw, preventing Apple from selling them. Despite earlier rumors of production issues, Apple's strict quality standards are believed to be the cause of the low yield. The supply chain is now waiting for Apple to decide whether to relax these quality requirements.

If Apple relaxes the standards, mass production could be accelerated. However, manufacturing delays, such as the waiting period for Samsung Display's OLED panels and some hinge-components, have contributed to the lower yields. Currently, Apple is not expected to reach full maturity in production for at least another six months. It is anticipated that the company will only produce between 6 to 8 million iPhone Duo units for its global inventory.

This amount is a third of what the company plans to produce for its more mature iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which are expected to generate between 20 and 30 million units. If Apple manages to sell its initial inventory of 8 million Duos, it would be a significant success for the company. The device will be available for preorder starting October 16, priced at $1,999.

Despite the high price point, Apple's emphasis on quality means that customers can expect a reliable and functioning device if they purchase one. The launch of the iPhone Duo has generated considerable buzz, although consumer response remains to be seen. Interestingly, a recent reader poll conducted by Tom's Guide indicates that most readers are more interested in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which has seen a surge in popularity since Apple's announcement.