Apple is significantly boosting its domestic manufacturing efforts by partnering with U.S.-based Perryman Company for titanium used in the new $1,999 iPhone Duo and expanding production of camera components for the iPhone 18 Pro. This strategic move, part of Apple’s broader American Manufacturing Program, aims to address severe supply constraints for the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Duo, which has seen unprecedented preorder demand leading to extended delivery estimates.
In a significant push to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint, Apple is bringing a new U.S. titanium supplier on board for its groundbreaking iPhone Duo and simultaneously ramping up the production of camera components for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. This strategic initiative underscores the tech giant's commitment to manufacturing more critical components within the United States.
The Cupertino-based company announced a commitment of up to $100 million over the next three years to Perryman Company, a specialist firm located in Houston, Pennsylvania. Perryman will be responsible for producing the high-grade titanium crucial for Apple products, including the much-anticipated $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo.
The new foldable iPhone Duo is displayed during an Apple event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 9, 2026. Apple unveiled its long-awaited first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, on Wednesday, at the company's first launch event since CEO John Ternus took the reins on September 1. (Photo by Karl Mondon / AFP via Getty Images)
The expansion of U.S. production comes as Apple navigates severe supply constraints for its inaugural foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, which is set to hit stores this Friday. Preorder demand for the device has been "nothing short of extraordinary," according to Apple, with some online delivery estimates stretching to an unprecedented 14 weeks—the longest wait time recorded for a new iPhone in a decade, as noted by Morgan Stanley.
This latest announcement aligns with Apple's vocal commitment to increasing investments in the U.S. since the start of President Donald Trump's second term. Last August, Apple launched its American Manufacturing Program (AMP), significantly boosting its domestic spending plan by $100 billion to a total of $600 billion. Former Apple CEO Tim Cook notably appeared at the White House for this announcement, reflecting the company's response to presidential pressure to bolster U.S. production.
JPMorgan analysts currently project Apple will ship approximately 8 million to 9 million Duo devices this year, a slight downgrade from earlier expectations of 10 million due to the persistent supply challenges. Details on whether the agreement with Perryman Company will alleviate near-term capacity issues remain undisclosed.
Perryman Company will undertake the melting, forging, and rolling of grade 5 titanium, which Apple has emphasized will incorporate at least 80% recycled material. This robust titanium is integral to the iPhone Duo's enclosure, providing enhanced durability for the innovative foldable design.
Perryman Company employees handle spools of titanium used in iPhones as part of the American Manufacturing Program. (Photo: Apple)
Beyond the Perryman partnership, Apple also confirmed an expanded collaboration with Delaware-based Qnity Electronics. Qnity will now manufacture advanced films essential for the variable-aperture camera system featured in the iPhone 18 Pro. This sophisticated camera technology empowers users with greater control over light and depth by allowing the main camera to adjust light intake based on environmental conditions.
Sabih Khan, Apple's operating chief, expressed enthusiasm for these developments, stating, "We're thrilled to expand our work with companies producing advanced materials and components for our newest iPhone lineup right here in America." Apple highlighted that nearly 100 components for the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro are sourced from American companies across more than a dozen states.
The company also took the opportunity to commend investments with other key AMP partners, including Broadcom for U.S.-made chips, Corning for specialized glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches, and Amkor, currently constructing a semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Peoria, Arizona.
As the iPhone Duo prepares for its retail launch, questions linger regarding Apple's capacity to meet the overwhelming demand for a phone facing such unusually long initial wait times.
—Additional reporting by Kif Leswing
