The debut week of Apple's first foldable smartphone, iPhone Duo, saw multiple reports of screen cracks and bright lines. A recent disclosure by a Foxconn employee that Apple had relaxed quality inspection standards to ensure early supply caused a stir on Weibo. In response, Apple announced a free replacement policy to ease concerns from consumers. Despite the free replacement, a supplier for the hinge, FineMtech, and an Apple supply chain insider have vehemently denied the claim, stating that their products are free from defects. They plan to take legal action against unsubstantiated reports linking screen damage to the hinge. Apple maintains that the issues are usually exposed in the early stages of use and reassures customers not to worry. The production line for iPhone Duo has reportedly already replaced faulty materials. Apple is preparing around 7.5 million units for the device in global markets for 2026.
The initial sale of iPhone Duo was met with significant demand across Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with long queues and price gouging by resellers. The quality issue has sparked intense debate, with netizens questioning the quality of such an expensive flagship device. The controversy highlights Apple's challenge in balancing production speed and quality control, especially for new technology releases. Analysis suggests that while Apple's official statements provide reassurance, the incident could have long-term implications for consumer confidence in the company's newest product. Despite the claims, Apple's move to replace defective units could mitigate reputational damage and maintain customer satisfaction in the short-term.