TECH

Apple’s Debut Foldable Suffers Hardware and Software Glitches

Published: Oct. 26, 2026 6:57 p.m. GMT+8

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iPhone Duo smartphones are sold at an Apple Store on Oct. 26. Photo: VCG

Apple Inc.’s newly released foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is facing an unfavorable start amid early user complaints over hardware defects and software incompatibility.

The complaints highlight the technical hurdles Apple must overcome as it enters the niche foldable market, a highly anticipated expansion that industry analysts expect to revitalize the broader smartphone sector.

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iPhone Duo faces early complaints over cracked hinges, damaged screens, and app incompatibility (e.g., Baidu Maps), prompting developer updates.
Despite issues, demand is robust: starting price is 15,999 yuan, current orders ship Jan. 22; Pinduoduo offered a temporary 15,099 yuan discount.
Foldables hold ~2% global market share in 2026, rising to 3% in 2027; IDC forecasts Apple will ship 17 million+ units by 2027, capturing ~40% share.

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Who’s Who

...: {"chinese":"苹果新折叠机iPhone Duo上市遇冷，用户反映铰链开裂、屏幕损坏及应用不适配。尽管硬件问题频出，需求仍强劲，预计2027年出货超1700万台，占全球折叠屏市场40%。","english":"Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo faces early complaints over hinge defects and app incompatibility. Despite issues, demand remains strong, with IDC forecasting over 17 million shipments by 2027, capturing 40% of the global foldable market."}

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What Happened When

2026 (estimated)：: Foldable smartphones hold an estimated global market share of 2%, expected to rise to 3% in 2027.

By 2027 (forecast)：: IDC forecasts Apple's foldable iPhone shipments will surpass 17 million units, capturing about 40% of the global foldable market.

Jan. 22, 2027：: Apple's official website indicates new orders for the iPhone Duo will not ship until this date, and offline store pickups are currently unavailable.

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