Key Highlights

  • Apple commits up to USD 100 million over three years to Perryman for iPhone Duo titanium.
  • Some Duo models show delivery estimates of roughly 14 weeks, the longest one large bank has recorded in a decade.
  • Nearly 100 components in the Duo and iPhone 18 Pro come from American companies across more than a dozen states.
  • Analysts estimate 8 million to 9 million Duo shipments this year, below earlier expectations of about 10 million.

Titanium Deal Targets the iPhone Duo Enclosure

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) said on Tuesday it is committing up to USD 100 million over three years to Perryman Company, based in Houston, Pennsylvania, to produce titanium used in Apple products, including the USD 1,999 foldable iPhone Duo. Perryman is to melt, forge and roll grade 5 titanium that Apple says contains at least 80 Percent recycled material. The metal is used for the Duo's enclosure, where Apple says it provides durability.

Perryman is a titanium melter. A 2022 company announcement described plans to add about 16 million pounds of melting capacity, lifting total capacity roughly 60 Percent to 42 million pounds. Apple has not said whether the agreement increases near-term capacity.

Camera Films and Chip Partners Join the Push

Apple also said it is expanding its partnership with Delaware-based Qnity Electronics, which manufactures advanced films used in the variable-aperture camera system on the iPhone 18 Pro. The feature lets the phone's main camera adjust how much light enters the lens depending on conditions, giving users more control over light and depth. An earlier round of the program added four partners, including Qnity, with a combined USD 400 million committed through 2030.

Apple said nearly 100 components used in the Duo and iPhone 18 Pro are produced by American companies across more than a dozen states. An Apple operating executive said in a statement that the company is pleased to expand its work with firms making advanced materials and components for the newest iPhone lineup in the United States. Apple also highlighted other program partners: Broadcom for U.S.-made chips, Corning for specialty glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches, and Amkor, which is building a semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Peoria, Arizona.

Domestic Manufacturing Push Under Trump

Since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, Apple has publicized its efforts to invest more in the United States, even as final assembly of most iPhones remains overseas. In August of last year, Apple launched its American Manufacturing Program, raising its domestic spending plan by USD 100 billion to a total of USD 600 billion. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO until last month, appeared at the White House for that announcement, as Trump pressed Apple and other technology companies to expand U.S. production.

Supply Limits Shape the Foldable Launch

The announcement comes as Apple faces severe supply constraints for its first foldable phone, which goes on sale in stores on Friday. Analysts at a large bank recorded delivery estimates of roughly 14 weeks for some Duo models on the first day of preorders, the longest wait the firm has recorded for a new iPhone in a decade. Apple said on Friday that preorder demand had been extraordinary, but it has not said whether it plans to increase production.

Analysts at another large bank estimate shipments of roughly 8 million to 9 million Duo devices this year, below earlier expectations of about 10 million, because of supply constraints.