Overview
- Apple has locked its sale schedule: a “Get Ready” flow opens October 12, preorders begin October 16, and retail availability starts October 23, with a 256GB base price of $1,999.
- Several supply-chain sources say Foxconn’s final-assembly yields were only slightly above 60 percent as of mid-September and that Samsung Display and hinge suppliers are also facing low panel and hinge yields, a combination likely to cut initial output.
- Apple confirmed the Duo’s inner screen uses a matte nano-texture cover layer that can be replaced, and its service listings show AppleCare replacement pricing of $19 for the cover layer and $99 for a full inner-display repair.
- Industry analysts and suppliers estimate Apple plans roughly 6–8 million Duo units for 2026, signaling a deliberate low-volume, high-margin rollout that will make launch availability tight and favor early buyers.
- Manufacturing experts note foldable panels and hinge assemblies typically take months to a year to reach mature yields, so constrained supply now could delay broader availability and shape how quickly the Duo affects the foldable market.