Apple adds a U.S. titanium maker for its $1,999 foldable iPhone

Apple said Tuesday it is adding a U.S. titanium supplier for the iPhone Duo, its $1,999 foldable phone. The news does not clearly fix the bigger issue for buyers. Delivery estimates for some Duo models stretched to about 14 weeks, and Apple has not said how it will meet demand.

What changed

Apple will commit up to $100 million over three years to Perryman Company, based in Houston, Pennsylvania. Perryman will melt, forge and roll grade 5 titanium. Apple said it will contain at least 80% recycled material. Apple says titanium is used for the Duo's enclosure to add durability.

Apple also expanded its work with Qnity Electronics, based in Delaware. Qnity will make advanced films for the variable-aperture camera system on the iPhone 18 Pro. That feature lets the main camera change how much light enters the lens, giving users more control over light and depth.

The made-in-America push

Apple said nearly 100 parts in the Duo and iPhone 18 Pro come from American companies in more than a dozen states. Final assembly of most iPhones still happens overseas. In August of last year, Apple launched its American Manufacturing Program and raised its planned U.S. spending by $100 billion, to a total of $600 billion.

Apple also pointed to other partners. Broadcom makes U.S. chips, and Corning makes specialty glass for iPhones and Apple Watches. Amkor is building a chip packaging and testing facility in Peoria, Arizona.

The wait problem

Morgan Stanley said delivery estimates for some Duo models reached roughly 14 weeks on the first day of preorders. The firm called it the longest wait it has recorded for a new iPhone in a decade. Apple said preorder demand was "nothing short of extraordinary" but has not said whether it will raise production.

JPMorgan analysts expect Apple to ship about 8 million to 9 million Duos this year. That is below earlier expectations of about 10 million, because of supply limits. Apple did not say whether the Perryman deal will add capacity soon.

What to do

• Order early if you want a Duo.
• Check the delivery date for the exact model you want before you pay.
• Know that some models have much longer waits than others.
• The phone goes on sale in stores Friday.

The open question is whether Apple can build enough Duos for a phone that already has unusually long waits before it reaches stores.