Apple faces consumer backlash and early hardware failures following the market debut of the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone priced around 900,000 forints, as early buyers report central screen cracks along the hinge line within days of purchase, according to reports by raketa.hu, index.hu, pcwplus.hu, and Mobilarena.
Physical Stress Testing Exposes Hinge Vulnerabilities
Severe physical stress tests conducted by the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything revealed structural weaknesses in the iPhone Duo’s rotating hinge mechanism. As raketa.hu reported, fine sand and debris bypassed the protective barrier and entered the internal hinge assembly, preventing the 900,000-forint device from closing completely. During subsequent bend testing against the natural folding angle, the internal screen ruptured entirely, rendering the device unusable. While these stress tests exceed typical daily wear, the device proved more sensitive than competing foldable handsets.
Reddit Reports and Official AppleCare Replacement Policies
Over the weekend, owners flooded Reddit and online forums with complaints that the internal display cracked directly along the crease shortly after initial use, index.hu noted. In response to inquiries from 9to5Mac, Apple confirmed that it is aware of an issue affecting a small percentage of iPhone Duo units. The company stated that affected customers can request replacement devices through AppleCare. According to Mobilarena, users do not need an active AppleCare+ subscription to qualify for a replacement, and the policy applies even to phones purchased through third-party carriers.
iFixit Examination and Stock Shortages Complicate Repairs
Disassembly by iFixit experts suggested that internal components may exert excessive pressure on the flexible panel, potentially causing the reported display fractures. However, Mobilarena reported that customers returning defective units to Apple Store locations faced severe inventory shortages. Some buyers were told to expect a month-long wait for replacements, while others were advised to request a full refund and place a new order, which also faces long delivery delays. It remains unclear whether the faults stem from a defective manufacturing batch or a fundamental design flaw in the hinge structure.
Samsung Mocks Apple Debut With Rivalry Campaign
Capitalizing on the rocky rollout, South Korean competitor Samsung released a promotional advertisement targeting the iPhone Duo, as detailed by pcwplus.hu. The commercial features a green apple wandering among Samsung devices to highlight hardware advantages, noting that the Galaxy Z Fold8 is 1.6 millimeters thinner and 53 grams lighter than Apple’s device. Samsung asserted that it maintains a significant lead in foldable technology, having produced flexible devices since the launch of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions About the iPhone Duo Failures
Does fixing the cracked iPhone Duo screen require an AppleCare+ subscription?
No, customers seeking a replacement for display failures do not need an AppleCare+ subscription, according to index.hu. Buyers who purchased their phones through mobile carriers must contact AppleCare directly to arrange a replacement.
What specific hardware defect did teardown experts identify?
iFixit experts found that certain internal parts may place excessive pressure on the inner display, and debris can easily enter the rotating hinge mechanism to block full closure, as reported by raketa.hu and index.hu.
How has Apple officially responded to the reported display cracks?
Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac that it is aware of internal display issues affecting a small number of iPhone Duo units and instructed users experiencing problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement device.
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