DigiTimes：苹果将首款折叠机 iPhone Duo 12个月出货目标上调44%（970万→1400万部），已通知富士康及零部件供应商加单

Apple has raised its iPhone Duo shipment target by 44%, from 9.7 million to 14 million units over 12 months, as strong consumer demand for its first foldable iPhone prompts the company to increase orders. Supply chain sources say the move signals confidence in sales, while forecasts for other models remain mixed.

Apple's iPhone 18 lineup has drawn differing assessments across the supply chain. Some sources said Apple had lowered shipment forecasts for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, while others said expectations for customer orders remained unchanged. However, they agreed that demand for the iPhone Duo had led Apple to notify suppliers of higher shipment targets.
Suppliers said they recently received notifications to raise iPhone Duo shipments from the original 9.7 million units to 14 million units, a 44% increase that indicates Apple expects its first foldable phone to perform strongly.

Credit: DIGITIMES
Foldable demand contrasts with Pro series concerns
In a September report, DIGITIMES Intelligence said supply chain information indicated that combined production of the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro series in the second half of 2026 was estimated at 79 million units as of mid-September, with the iPhone Duo accounting for 7 million units.

Credit: DIGITIMES
Lin Chun-chi, a senior analyst at DIGITIMES Intelligence, said combined shipments of the three new models in the second half of 2026 were expected to reach 71 million to 75 million units. Shipments of the iPhone 18 Pro series were expected to fall below Apple's original expectations, potentially prompting a production cut, while demand for the iPhone Duo was expected to exceed supply.
Lin said shipment volumes would depend on how smoothly assembly production proceeded. More recently, sources said Apple had raised iPhone Duo shipments and notified Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai) and related component suppliers of the increase to 14 million units.
Those suppliers said Apple had not lowered its shipment target for the iPhone 18 Pro series, which remained at its original forecast. However, rumors that Apple had reduced iPhone 18 Pro shipments have circulated throughout the supply chain.
Largan Technology CEO Lin En-ping said at a recent earnings conference that a major customer had "already lowered [its forecast] in September, so it should be bad." He said the reduction came "almost immediately after launch," while October orders were flat from September and were expected to weaken further in November. The customer had also stopped providing long-term forecasts, leaving suppliers to respond month by month.
Sources with a bearish view of the iPhone 18 Pro series cited limited upgrades and higher prices. They said the main improvements were focused on processor and camera specifications, while other differences from the iPhone 17 Pro were relatively minor. The series starts at NT$44,000 (US$1,348.56), or US$1,355, reflecting a price increase that could discourage some consumers.
Launch timing could shape upgrade decisions
Apple has also changed its product launch strategy to two releases a year. After introducing the Pro series in fall 2026, the company is expected to launch the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air in spring 2027.
In addition, Apple is expected to release an iPhone in 2027 to celebrate the product's 20th anniversary. That prospect could encourage some consumers planning to upgrade to wait, potentially affecting demand for models released before then.
Duo preorders lift foldable outlook
The iPhone Duo, by contrast, has reportedly become a preorder hit, with delivery times extending into 2027. Apple is also rumored to have limited purchases to two units per person to prevent scalpers from acquiring inventory. This measure could further boost expectations for foldable sales.
Strong demand for the iPhone Duo is expected to support broader growth in foldable phone shipments. Lin Chun-chi estimated that Apple's launch would help expand the foldable phone industry.
Global foldable phone shipments reached about 20 million units in 2025, up 7.4% from 2024. Growth is expected to accelerate to 25.7% in 2026 and further to 59.1% in 2027, according to the DIGITIMES Intelligence report.

Credit: DIGITIMES