A report from China claims Apple prioritised holiday-season shipments of its foldable iPhone Duo, while users continue to report inner display damage linked to a potential hinge defect.
Apple is reportedly facing fresh scrutiny over the quality control of its iPhone Duo after a Chinese media report claimed the company lowered its quality inspection standards to increase shipments ahead of the holiday season.
According to Jiemian News, an unnamed Foxconn employee said Apple had prioritised getting more units of the foldable smartphone into retail stores. The report also claimed that a batch of components on the iPhone Duo production line had been replaced, although quality control standards had reportedly remained unchanged.
Apple is said to be targeting shipments of 7.5 million iPhone Duo units before the end of 2026. However, the reported production push comes amid growing concerns over the device’s hinge mechanism and cases of damage to its inner display.
Several early buyers have reported cracking or other damage affecting the foldable screen. Apple has acknowledged reports of the issue, stating that it affects a small number of iPhone Duo units. The company has advised affected customers to contact Apple for a replacement.
The latest allegations about quality inspections have not been independently verified, and Apple has not publicly confirmed that it lowered its quality control standards.
Separately, YouTube creator CuriousHagi has published an analysis examining a possible mechanical cause of the reported display failures. The investigation points towards a component in the hinge assembly that may contribute to the problem.
According to the analysis, a link-type hinge element appears to make contact with the upper support plate, potentially explaining the cracking sound reported by some users who experienced screen damage.
The component is positioned behind the middle section of the inner display and appears thinner than other parts of the hinge assembly. This has raised questions about whether the mechanism can withstand repeated folding and unfolding without putting excessive pressure on the display.
However, the precise cause of the reported failures remains unconfirmed, and the findings do not establish that the suspected hinge component is responsible for every case.
The reports could create additional challenges for Apple as it seeks to expand its foldable smartphone business during the crucial year-end shopping period. Further clarification from the company may be needed to address concerns over durability, manufacturing standards and replacement support.