Apple CEO Says He Can’t Predict When iPhone Duo Supply Will Meet Demand

Apple still cannot make enough iPhone Duo units to meet demand, and CEO John Ternus says he does not know when that will change. He spoke to Reuters after Apple’s earnings report on November 2, his first as CEO. “Duo is constrained as of today,” Ternus said. “The ramp is going well, and we’re working hard to get it to as many customers as quickly as possible, but at this point, we’re not able to predict when supply and demand will be in balance.”

The Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It sold out quickly online and drew lines at Apple stores in October. Orders placed on November 2 show delivery estimates in January, and MacRumors says stores have had little stock for online reservations.

Ternus also addressed problems with the inner display, the screen that opens up inside the folded phone. He said “a very small percentage” of units have been returned and that Apple is offering replacements. MacRumors reports that Apple knows of an issue affecting the inner display on some units and has told affected customers to contact AppleCare.

Apple also expects higher memory costs in the fourth quarter, according to PCMag. It is unclear whether that will mean more price increases. On the software side, AppleInsider says Ternus discussed the rebuilt Siri, which now handles 2.5 billion requests a day.