New Folding iPhone Faces a Long Wait as Orders Surge, but App Support Remains a Question
Supply chain sources report a significant increase in production targets for Apple's new folding device, even as users confront delays in shipping and gaps in third-party application availability.
By Madison Lewis ·
Consumers eager to purchase the new folding iPhone are facing extended delivery timelines, with some estimated shipping dates slipping into late January. This wait follows the opening of pre-orders, where availability appeared limited within the first minute. Additionally, users attempting to utilize the device on day one are encountering hurdles regarding third-party applications, as many have not yet been optimized for the specific form factor, a gap Apple states is closing as developers integrate their software.
In response to the rapid fulfillment of initial stock, reports from supply chain sources indicate that Apple has significantly increased its production schedule. The company has raised shipment targets from 9.7 million to 14 million units for the first 12 months following launch. This adjustment is intended to meet what the company characterized as “extraordinary” demand for the product. To mitigate issues related to scalping, the company also restricted customers to a maximum of two units per person.
While Apple has attributed the immediate slip in delivery dates to high consumer interest, the initial inability to secure a device within seconds of the pre-order window opening raised questions regarding whether supply chains were prepared for the launch. However, the reported increase in production targets suggests that the company is prioritizing inventory expansion to meet user requests. Despite these delays, some customers who placed orders early have subsequently received notifications indicating earlier shipping estimates than originally provided.
Developers are working to catch up with the new hardware, though users are currently navigating a transition period regarding application availability. While Apple has stated that the situation regarding app support is improving, it remains a prominent concern for those attempting to use the device. Furthermore, reports suggest that the company is already testing prototypes for a successor model, which would reportedly feature Face ID capabilities rather than the Touch ID system present in the current release.
