Apple drops 1.44% in pre-market trading, with multiple reports of screen damage on iPhone Duo models, and the hinge design may face readjustment.

According to BIT (Bit.com) market data, Apple’s pre-market U.S. stock dropped 1.44%. On the news front, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has seen screen damage near its hinge since launching in major markets on October 23. User-uploaded photos show some devices have white ray-like cracks starting at the hinge’s center and extending to the lower right of the screen. Industry insiders note the defect is concentrated at the same hinge position, likely tied to hinge design, meaning Apple may have to redesign the relevant structure. Reports add that Apple faced hinge supply challenges during R&D: its initial first supplier, U.S.-based Amphenol, was replaced by Taiwan’s Xinri Xing (Sunny Precision) due to lower-than-expected production yield, but the latter also encountered manufacturing difficulties and only supplied "golden samples" that met standards. Apple previously stated the iPhone Duo’s hinge comprises over 100 components and uses a 3D-printed hinge module. With the product now in mass production, Apple may resolve the defects while minimizing design changes, possibly by reducing hinge components. Reports highlight the hinge issues could impact product delivery and sales performance. Per Apple’s supply expectations shared with suppliers, as of the end of this year, component supply corresponding to the iPhone Duo’s full production capacity is around 6 million units. Separately, component supplier Fine M-Tec has stated that recent quality issues with the related products are unrelated to the components it supplied for assembly.