Apple Confirms Hardware Defect in iPhone Duo Foldable
Apple acknowledged a hardware defect causing screen cracks in its new iPhone Duo foldable phone amid severe supply shortages and CEO John Ternus's first earnings call.
The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable smartphone, is facing hardware failures and severe supply shortages following its October 23 launch. The company confirmed a defect, dubbed Crackgate, where a faulty hinge component fails to unfold correctly and places excessive pressure on the flexible screen. Affected users report stiff hinges, crunching sounds, and the appearance of display lines or cracks along the central fold.
Apple has advised impacted customers to contact AppleCare for replacements, though the availability of these units is limited. The company prioritized physical retail stores for 80% of initial inventory, leaving online delivery estimates averaging 79 days. Reports suggest the October launch was rushed to support new CEO John Ternus and capture holiday sales despite low manufacturing yields.
The hardware crisis coincides with the first earnings call for Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September. Investors are expected to question the CEO on the display failures, rising memory-chip costs, and the company's artificial intelligence strategy. While Apple shares have risen approximately 27% this year, the company is currently suing OpenAI over alleged trade-secret theft as it competes with new AI-driven devices.
