Apple’s Rs 3 Lakh iPhone Duo Is Selling Faster Than It Can Make Them

The iPhone Duo goes on sale today, and Apple's first foldable is turning out to be a much bigger hit than the company planned for. Pre-orders have beaten Apple's expectations in several major markets, according to a DigiTimes report.

Apple has said much the same thing itself. After pre-orders opened on October 16, the company told CNBC that demand was "nothing short of extraordinary" and said it is working to get the phone to customers as quickly as possible. Early reviews of the iPhone Duo have also been largely positive, with critics praising its hinge and display, which has only added to the buzz.

From 9.7 million to 14 million

To keep up, Apple has reportedly asked Foxconn and its component suppliers to raise iPhone Duo production by about 44 percent, from 9.7 million units to 14 million over a 12-month period. DigiTimes has warned that hitting the new target won't be easy, since earlier reports pointed to manufacturing problems with the Duo's displays, hinges and assembly.

Shipping dates show how tight supply is. In the US, estimates slipped to late January within 30 minutes of pre-orders opening, and some countries like Brazil are already showing February.

The demand also matters for the wider phone industry. DigiTimes sources say the Duo's success could encourage rival brands to invest more in foldables, a category that has stayed niche for years. The same report suggests Duo sales could help make up for softer demand for the iPhone 18 Pro.

What it means for buyers in India

In India, the iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 for 256GB and goes up to Rs 4,49,900 for 2TB, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold here. Even at that price, pre-orders in India sold out within an hour of opening, and fresh orders on Apple's India store were showing a delivery date of January 23, 2027.

The phone is available through Apple's online store, Apple BKC in Mumbai, Apple Saket in Delhi and authorised retailers. But if you didn't pre-order, there is a good chance you may not find one in stores on launch day.

There are ways to get one today, but it could cost you up to Rs 50,000 more than Apple's price. For most buyers, the better bet is to place an order now to get a spot in the queue, or check with authorised retailers over the next few weeks as Apple tries to ramp up supply.