iPhone 'panic full' followed by 'crackgate' on the Duo: Apple Inc. struggles amid a string of quality controversies [Daily IT Item]

[Financial News] Apple Inc. is seeing customer trust shaken as each of its recently launched products becomes embroiled in quality controversies. Reports of cracked inner screens have piled up for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, while the previously released iPhone 18 Pro series has also experienced a “panic full” phenomenon, in which devices suddenly shut down and restart. Despite their high prices, durability issues have surfaced from the early days of their launches, weighing on consumers’ purchase decisions.
According to industry sources on the 30th, Apple Inc. acknowledged that some iPhone Duo units had problems with their inner displays and directed users to seek replacements through Apple Support. Users can report the problem through the Apple Support app and receive a free replacement, regardless of where they purchased the device, if an authorized service center confirms the defect.
Reports poured in soon after the Duo went on sale on the 23rd that cracks had appeared near the hinge where the screen folds, or that bright lines had appeared on the display. Apple Inc. said only a small number of devices had been affected but did not disclose the cause of the defects or the total number of cases. Electronics repair specialist iFixit, based on a teardown analysis, suggested that pressure may have been exerted on the screen because the central support inside the hinge did not retract far enough.
Posts are appearing on South Korean online communities from people considering refunds over concerns such as screen damage and app compatibility. Some users have also said they plan to return their devices to guard against possible future damage, despite there being no problem with the screen. Regardless of whether cracks have actually appeared, doubts seem to be growing over whether the inner screen can withstand long-term use.
Durability concerns are also affecting resale prices for the Duo. The 256GB Duo launched at 3.29 million won. Resale listings climbed to as high as 3.82 million won early after launch, but have recently fallen to around 3.4 million won. Prices remain above the original retail price, but resale values have dropped by about 400,000 won from their peak.
Whether Apple Inc. can supply replacement units for the Duo on time is also emerging as a concern. Market research firm Counterpoint Research estimated that the initial global supply available for the iPhone Duo would be no more than 6 million units. Supply is so tight that new orders in South Korea may not be fulfilled until around the end of January next year.
Apple Inc. says it has set aside refurbished and new devices separately to meet replacement demand in South Korea. However, it has not disclosed the size of its replacement inventory or how long replacements will actually take. With supplies limited, it is difficult to rule out longer waits for replacements if the number of defective devices increases further.

The iPhone 18 Pro series had earlier come under fire over the “panic full” phenomenon, in which devices unexpectedly restarted when Face ID authentication failed. Apple Inc. said it had fixed the related error in the iOS 27.0.1 update on September 29, but some users said they continued to experience reboots after updating.
Apple Inc. has not disclosed the specific cause of the error. It also said that devices on which the update has resolved the problem are not eligible for exchange or refund, prompting concerns that after-sales remedies could differ depending on whether users have installed the update, even for the same symptoms.
The domestic retail price of the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro is 1.99 million won, while the 256GB iPhone Duo costs 3.29 million won. Industry observers say that for high-priced smartphones, the stability of product quality at launch, as well as features, has a significant impact on purchase decisions. Screen durability and device operation are especially important factors consumers consider when choosing a product they will use for a long time.
An industry official said, “For foldable phones to go mainstream, consumers first need to build confidence in the durability of the screen and hinge,” adding, “If this controversy drags on, it could affect consumer perceptions of Apple Inc. as a whole, not just the iPhone Duo.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter