Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is shaking consumer confidence following initial quality concerns. Reports of internal display cracks and screen malfunctions have emerged, leading to a growing number of consumers canceling their purchase plans. While Apple has initiated replacements for defective units, concerns about the foldable device's completion are now affecting actual purchasing decisions.
According to industry sources on the 5th, since the iPhone Duo's release, user communities and social media (SNS) have continuously shared cases of internal display damage. Common issues include black lines or colored pixel streaks along the hinge center, as well as parts of the screen becoming unresponsive. Durability tests and teardown analyses also revealed potential vulnerabilities around the hinge and internal display.
These quality concerns significantly impacted purchasing decisions. In a survey of 2,093 participants conducted by IT media outlet Android Authority post-launch, 37.22% of respondents stated they abandoned their purchase plans due to screen fragility and durability issues. Another 29.5% responded they had “never intended to buy it due to defect concerns.” Combined, approximately 70% of respondents held negative views toward purchasing the device because of durability problems. Only 12.8% expressed hope that issues would be resolved in future models.
The iPhone Duo is a premium product, starting at $2,000 in the U.S. and 3.29 million KRW in South Korea. Repair costs for internal displays, which are not covered by warranty, can reach around $1,000, placing a heavy financial burden on consumers. Apple acknowledged, “We are aware of internal display issues in a small number of iPhone Duo units,” and offered replacements. However, the company did not disclose specific causes, affected quantities, or sufficient replacement stock, leading to significant delays.
Critics argue that this situation could undermine trust in Apple's overall quality. One industry insider noted, “Apple's strength has always been its reputation for quality. Consumers viewed it as a 'trustworthy' brand, but this time, the global launch seems rushed without sufficient app optimization or product refinement.”
The iPhone Duo's initial success remains uncertain. While Apple recently stated in an earnings call that demand exceeds supply, industry observers caution that early supply limitations make it difficult to gauge true popularity. With consumers abandoning purchases due to quality concerns, sustaining initial demand post-supply expansion is critical.
Another insider added, “The initial supply shortage might create an illusion of strong demand.”
