[Edaily Lee So-Hyun Han Kwangbeom Reporter] Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the “iPhone Duo,” is receiving mixed reactions immediately after its launch. While it has garnered praise for its sophisticated design and smooth folding mechanism—and pre-order stock sold out early—controversy over its durability has emerged following a series of reports of internal screen damage. Given that it is an ultra-high-end product starting at 3.29 million won, supply shortages and durability concerns have emerged as key factors affecting its market success.

According to industry sources on the 25th, the iPhone Duo—released on the 23rd—proved even more appealing in person. Based on hands-on experience at the “iPhone Duo App Showcase” held in Seoul on the 21st, its sophisticated exterior and comfortable grip were particularly impressive. The hinge moved smoothly, and the crease in the center of the screen was barely noticeable.

When folded, it functions like a 5.4-inch iPhone; when unfolded, it acts as a 7.6-inch tablet. KakaoTalk displays the chat list and chat rooms side by side, and apps like Naver Webtoon are optimized for the larger screen. However, the camera didn’t offer much in the way of differentiation, and the price—more than 1 million won higher than the SamsungElectronics(005930) Galaxy Z Fold 8—is seen as a drawback.

While initial buying enthusiasm is high, securing units is proving difficult. SKTelecom(017670)The first round of pre-orders guaranteeing delivery on the launch date sold out in just one minute, and KTCorporation(030200)the initial stock of some models also sold out in the same amount of time. LG Uplus(032640) The initial shipment also sold out. The initial domestic supply is estimated to be between 20,000 and 30,000 units, and the estimated delivery date on Apple’s official online store has been pushed back to January 22 of next year.

Contrary to its dazzling first impression, questions have been raised about its durability. The Verge, a U.S. IT publication, reported that buyers are sharing photos online showing internal screen cracks or bright lines. One Australian buyer claimed the screen broke after just six hours of use. The buyer explained that even before opening the device 20 times, they felt a catching sensation inside the hinge and heard a cracking sound, after which they received a replacement.

Problems also emerged in an experiment conducted by the popular IT YouTuber JerryRigEverything. When dust and sand entered the hinge, the device failed to close completely; when the unfolded device was bent in the opposite direction, a green line appeared on the inner screen and the device stopped working. Jack Nelson, who conducted the experiment, commented, “Most of the foldable phones I’ve tested over the past seven years have survived, but the iPhone Duo did not.”

It is difficult to conclude that there is a design flaw based solely on these early cases of damage. Apple has emphasized the device’s durability by highlighting its precision hinge, titanium reinforcement, and IP68 dust and water resistance rating. The U.S. tech publication *Wired* noted, “Since foldable phones have limitations in terms of ruggedness and ease of repair compared to regular smartphones, waiting for the second-generation model is a reasonable choice.”