[REVISION HISTORY]

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Duo launch face supply and hardware

Updated 67 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-25 17:15 UTC → 2026-10-26 13:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

As of late October 2026, Apple’s launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo foldable continues to face technical, supply chain, and hardware durability hurdles despite high demand. The iPhone Duo, which saw a global release ~~in over 70 countries~~ on October 23, has encountered massive demand and significant shipping delays, with some delivery estimates in the US, Canada, and Europe pushed to ~~January or February~~ early 2027. ~~In India, the device sold out on the Blinkit platform within five minutes of availability.~~ Manufacturing constraints involving ~~the~~ a complex 100-piece hinge, low assembly yields at Foxconn, and shortages of DRAM and NAND flash memory have hampered production. CEO John Ternus has described the global memory chip shortage as “absolutely a crisis.” To manage limited supply and combat scalping, Apple has implemented purchase limits in several markets. ~~Additionally, rising DRAM costs reportedly led Apple to scale back planned RAM capacities for the iPhone 18 Pro and Duo from 16GB to 12GB.~~ While the device features a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external display, the launch has been marred by widespread reports of hardware ~~issues, specifically~~ issues. Users in Australia, the US, Canada, China, and Hong Kong have documented inner screen cracking and bright lines appearing near the central ~~hinge.~~ hinge, sometimes after fewer than 20 folding cycles. Technical analyses suggest these failures may stem from mechanical flaws in the hinge mechanism. To address ~~concerns regarding the visible display~~ crease ~~and wear,~~ visibility, Apple ~~VP of Hardware Engineering Kate Bergeron confirmed the inclusion of~~ included a replaceable nano-texture cover layer, ~~which can be replaced for approximately $19 under AppleCare+ in the US. Repairing~~ but repairing the inner display ~~without AppleCare+ is significantly more~~ remains expensive, costing up to $999 ~~in the US.~~ or approximately 1,719 euros without AppleCare+. Connectivity issues have ~~also~~ emerged for ~~a limited number of~~ some iPhone 18 Pro Max units sold through AT&T in the US, where devices may lose ~~all~~ cellular functionality. ~~Apple has indicated that physical replacements may be necessary for these units.~~ Additionally, the iPhone Duo utilizes an eSIM-only design. Despite these hurdles, Apple’s stock reached a new all-time high in late ~~October, driven by optimism surrounding the Duo's launch.~~ October.

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