Apple Launches iPhone Duo Amid High Demand and Early Durability Concerns

Apple has officially released the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, priced at $1,999 in the United States. The launch triggered massive global demand, with lines forming outside stores from New York to Mexico City and pre-orders selling out within minutes, pushing estimated delivery dates into January 2027 Source: El Tiempo Source: La República (CO).

Design and Build

The device features a titanium chassis and a complex hinge with over 100 components, designed to support a flexible screen that unfolds to 7.6 inches Source: Clarín. While reviewers praise the build quality and the nanotextured display’s ability to minimize the visible crease, some note the 254-gram weight is heavier than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Source: La Vanguardia.

Durability Issues

Despite the robust materials, early reports highlight significant durability concerns. Several users in the US, Australia, and China reported cracks appearing along the vertical fold line shortly after purchase, often preceded by a cracking sound Source: El Nacional (VE) Source: infobae. iFixit, which awarded the phone a high repairability score of 5/10, theorized that dust infiltration or mechanical misalignment in the hinge may be causing pressure points that damage the internal screen layers Source: infobae. Apple has not issued a public statement but has replaced affected units for some customers Source: El Nacional (VE).

Market Impact

The iPhone Duo’s arrival has revitalized the foldable market. Samsung reported a 45% increase in sales for its Galaxy Z Fold 8 series following Apple’s announcement, suggesting the new format is moving from niche to mainstream Source: El Español. However, software optimization remains a work in progress; users have criticized Safari’s interface on the folded external screen for wasting space, prompting Apple to investigate UI adjustments Source: Infobae.

Availability

Due to supply constraints, Apple limited online purchases to two units per customer. In markets like Colombia and Mexico, all pre-order inventory was exhausted immediately, with local distributors reporting stock shortages across all storage tiers Source: Portafolio Source: Excélsior.