Apple has acknowledged screen defects in its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, and announced a product replacement policy. However, challenges are expected in securing replacement units due to initial stock depletion.
On October 26, Reuters and Bloomberg reported that Apple stated, "We are aware of an issue affecting the internal display on a small number of iPhone Duo devices," and advised affected users to contact AppleCare for replacements.
Since its release on October 23, the iPhone Duo has been embroiled in controversy over display defects. Social media posts have surfaced showing cracks at the central fold when the device is opened, along with reports of lines appearing on the screen. Some users reported issues occurring just hours after purchase.
Bloomberg confirmed screen damage cases by interviewing over six users. Some claimed they heard a cracking sound while unfolding the device, followed by cracks forming in the center of the screen. Reports also indicated the appearance of white spots on one side of the display.
Apple has not disclosed the exact cause of the defect. iFixit, a company specializing in electronics disassembly and repair, suggested that the central support structure, which houses wires beneath the screen, may not be moving correctly, leading to concentrated pressure in specific areas.
Despite the replacement policy, consumer inconvenience is expected to persist for some time. Initial online sales sold out within minutes, resulting in a shortage of replacement stock. Bloomberg reported that some users who visited stores were unable to receive immediate replacements due to lack of inventory. Currently, even if new products are ordered, delivery is expected by the end of January next year.
After the warranty period, repair costs can be significant. The standard warranty period is one year in the U.S. and two years in South Korea, with repair costs for the internal display reaching $999 in the U.S. and 1,649,000 won in South Korea.
This controversy is particularly noteworthy given Apple's emphasis on the durability of foldable phones. Apple CEO John Turnus previously criticized competitor Samsung's foldable phones as "cheap and poorly made," and an executive in charge of hardware engineering expressed confidence in the durability of their products.
TechCrunch, a U.S. IT media outlet, noted that while Apple was confident in solving the technical challenges of foldable phones, the defects occurring shortly after launch indicate that related issues may not have been fully resolved. Some foreign media compared this situation to past controversies such as the iPhone 4's reception issues, known as "Antennagate," and the bending issues of the iPhone 6 Plus, referred to as "Bendgate."
Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at market research firm IDC, praised Apple's swift replacement policy as an appropriate initial response. He noted that screen issues also arose with Samsung's first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, in 2019, emphasizing that prompt and transparent responses are crucial for maintaining consumer trust.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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