The main innovation of the foldable Apple iPhone Duo is the combination of a flexible display with a folding hinge, which should provide high durability if the device is frequently deformed. The iPhone Duo production process is reportedly very difficult, with 40% of devices so far failing final inspection.
Image source: Apple
The iPhone Duo launched last month will be available this month, but the version Jiemian News According to reports, as of September 17, the yield rate of Foxconn’s assembly line barely exceeded 60%. Depending on Apple’s quality standards, it could take another six months to a year to correct defects to an acceptable level.
According to sources, 6 to 8 million iPhone Duo units are expected to be supplied to the global market this year. The device will begin retailing on October 23, with prices starting at $1,999, and pre-orders began a week ago. The iPhone Duo presentation was hosted by new Apple CEO John Ternus, who named the device “The most transformative change to the iPhone range since the original smartphone” 2007. From this perspective, the market success of the iPhone Duo will be a severe test for the new head of Apple, even though the device was created under his predecessor.
When developing the iPhone Duo’s hinge and folding mechanism, it tried using liquid metal alloys in some parts, but some methods had to be reconsidered in mass production. The mechanism contains over 100 components and uses a 3D printed lid. It is understood my driveriPhone Duo contract manufacturers are asking Apple to prioritize improving product quality metrics and increasing production.
Apple is in a similar situation to other foldable smartphone makers, who have gone down this road before with their own models. Samsung currently holds 40% of the market share for such devices and launched its first foldable smartphone in February 2019. Meanwhile, early reviewers found problems with the screen and hinge, causing the company to delay the release of its first foldable smartphone to the market.
Analysts predict that the iPhone Duo will be very popular as it will be driven by the novelty factor of Apple’s product range. It is estimated that the brand’s new products will account for a quarter of all foldable smartphones this year, second only to Samsung, the pioneer in the field. In China, the iPhone Duo will have to compete with foldable smartphones from Huawei and Xiaomi for buyers’ dollars. The official launch of the iPhone Duo has also managed to impact the popularity of rival foldable smartphones – in the case of the Galaxy Z Fold8, sales have increased as, in some cases, skeptical buyers opted for Apple products.
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