Apple shares climbed 2% on Wednesday, buoyed by a new sales estimate for its first foldable iPhone and analyst data showing steady demand for current high-end models.
Counterpoint sees 6 million iPhone Duo sales
Counterpoint Research projected that Apple could sell approximately 6 million units of its upcoming iPhone Duo this year. The foldable device, Apple's first, is scheduled for pre-order on Oct. 16 and release on Oct. 23. Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and reaches up to 2TB of storage.
The research firm also noted that panel procurement for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Duo is modestly higher than for the iPhone 17 lineup. Procurement for the Pro and Pro Max models rose 2% year over year, with the remaining increase attributed to the Duo.
Apple describes the Duo as its thinnest iPhone, featuring an aerospace titanium frame and a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display. The screen is 50% larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 80% larger than the iPhone Pro. The device has a design similar in size to a passport and features two rounded corners.
UBS: iPhone wait times remain 'flattish'
While the Duo estimate provided a potential catalyst, UBS said wait times for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have remained relatively stable. "UBS Evidence Lab data that tracks iPhone availability across 30+ geographies suggests that wait times were relatively unchanged on a week-over-week basis," UBS analyst David Vogt wrote in a note to clients.
"The Pro in the US was the only notable delta, declining by ~2 days week-over-week," Vogt added. Average wait times are also broadly in line with last year's levels. The Pro in the US is down two days year over year, while the Pro in China is up two days. The Pro Max in China is down four days.
Vogt suggested that the relatively unchanged wait-time gap for the Pro Max in China could indicate that some consumers are waiting for the Duo next month. He expects existing Pro Max users seeking upgraded specifications, particularly in China, could make up the initial market for the new form factor. Vogt maintains a Neutral rating on Apple with a $296 price target.
Smart-home expansion underway
Separately, Apple is reportedly preparing to expand further into the smart-home market with a new home hub expected to launch on Oct. 13. According to Bloomberg News, the device will feature a roughly 6-inch square display that can be placed on a countertop or mounted on a wall.
The hub is designed to control connected home products, make video calls, play music, and display photos. It is also expected to recognize household members through voice or facial recognition and display personalized information, including calendars, messages, and contacts. A visitor mode will hide personal information.
Bloomberg also reported that Apple plans to introduce an updated HomePod mini and a new Apple TV set-top box, with both expected to retain their current designs while receiving faster processors to support Apple's artificial intelligence features. These products are expected to showcase Apple's revamped Siri assistant, which uses large language models and is designed to handle more complex requests and control apps and smart-home devices.
Apple has been seeking to expand in the smart-home market, where Amazon and Google have established larger presences. The company is also working on a home-security camera and other smart-home products, according to Bloomberg.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
