iPhone Duo Production Reportedly Up 30%

Quick summary: A new supply chain report says Apple increased iPhone Duo production orders by 30%. If that’s true, your odds of getting one at launch without waiting weeks or months just got better. Plus, here’s what the “Get Ready” pre-pre-order on October 12 actually does.

Key takeaways

• China’s Securities Times reports a 30% increase in iPhone Duo production orders, which could mean hundreds of thousands more phones at launch.
• The same report says total orders are still under 10 million units. It isn’t corroborated yet, so take it with a grain of salt.
• Get Ready opens October 12. Pre-orders open October 16 at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, and launch is October 23.
• Get Ready is only for apple.com orders, and it doesn’t guarantee you a phone.

Production reportedly up 30%

According to the report, Apple raised iPhone Duo production orders by 30% and adjusted its mix, with regular Pro model numbers down. It hasn’t been backed up by reporters like Mark Gurman yet, but if it’s accurate, it’s an encouraging sign that Apple sees enough demand to ramp up before launch.

More phones at launch means less chance you’re stuck with Apple’s long delays and forced to try Best Buy, your carrier, or a third-party site like eBay.

Why foldables are worth it

This is a brand-new form factor for Apple, and I think it’ll push foldables forward for everyone, Samsung included. I’ve said it before: once you fold, you never unfold. You can multitask, use a pencil, and use the rear cameras while the person in front of you sees the preview on the other display.

The weak point is physical reliability. There’s a hinge and more moving parts, so a foldable probably won’t ever be as durable as a slab phone. That’s why AppleCare or other insurance is a good idea, but I’d take the extra fun over that risk.

What Get Ready actually does

Starting Monday, October 12, apple.com lets you set everything up in advance:

• Model, color and storage
• Carrier or unlocked
• Trade-in and AppleCare
• Financing or credit card

You go through checkout as if you’re buying, without hitting the final button. On October 16, you go to apple.com and finalize. It’s only for apple.com, not AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Best Buy’s sites, and it doesn’t guarantee a launch-day phone. You don’t have to do it the first day, but I’d get it done early in the week.

My pick

I’m planning on the white 512GB. What are you getting?

Accessories

• Cases: BENKS, dbrand
• Grips: OhSnap Snap Grip, PopSockets Low-Pro and Kick-Out