Evercore ISI reports that iPhone Duo delivery dates have extended to late January, signaling strong initial demand. Apple shares posted their best week since the September launch, with analysts raising unit estimates.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is seeing early signs of robust demand for its new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, as delivery estimates have stretched significantly since pre-orders opened on Friday. According to Evercore ISI, delivery dates across all tracked regions and configurations have pushed out to late January, a delay of roughly 100 days from the initial launch window. The firm described the demand as tracking “solidly out of the gate,” though it cautioned that extended lead times can reflect either strong consumer interest or constrained supply during the initial launch period for a new form factor.
The positive demand signals have coincided with a notable performance for Apple’s stock. Shares capped off their strongest week since the iPhone Duo’s launch in September, rising over 2% during the current week. This follows a nearly 4% increase during the launch week in September. On Friday, Apple shares ended regular trading with a 0.4% gain, though they edged lower by 0.2% in after-hours session trading.
Analysts are interpreting the supply constraints as a bullish indicator for the device’s long-term trajectory. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management stated that the latest delivery times are increasing his confidence in his estimate of 20 million units for the iPhone Duo in fiscal 2027. The iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, represents Apple’s first foray into the foldable category, a market that IDC expects to account for nearly 7% of industry revenue this year despite representing only about 2% of global smartphone units.
Apple has characterized the preorder demand as “nothing short of extraordinary” in a statement to the Financial Times. The company noted it is working to get the product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible while continuing to accept orders online. With initial delivery dates now set for late January, the extended wait time underscores the high initial uptake of the device, which analysts view as a potential status symbol that could drive significant value for Apple’s highest-spending customer segment.