As Apple Foldable Faces Quality Disputes, Only Samsung Smiles

With Apple's first foldable phone, the 'iPhone Duo,' caught up in quality controversies such as cracked screens, its competitor Samsung Electronics has launched an offensive seeking to capitalize on the fallout, asserting that 'folding phones have long been proven.' Reports have poured in of screens cracking or showing lines along the fold and hinges malfunctioning. Apple acknowledged some defects and began offering free replacements. However, complaints have emerged that customers had to wait due to a shortage of replacement units or were charged repair fees.

A video Samsung released targeting the iPhone Duo is drawing attention. In the clip, the screen of a Galaxy foldable phone appears to have a large crack, which vanishes when touched by hand. Rather than actual damage, it was a photo displayed on the screen, and the video surpassed 10 million views within five days of its release.

Sales figures have also shifted. In the week following the iPhone Duo's domestic launch, Galaxy Fold 8 sales rose more than 20% from the previous week. In a survey by an IT media outlet, about 40% of respondents said they had withdrawn their plans to buy the iPhone Duo. Lee Seong-yeop, a professor at Korea University's Graduate School of Technology and Innovation Management, said, "Given that many customers are highly loyal to Apple, demand for Samsung Galaxy phones in the high-end market could also increase considerably."

Technology that enhances the durability of screens and hinges is emerging as a key competitive factor in the foldable phone market.