Apple reportedly lowered its iPhone Duo QA standards to get more units out in time

There has been no shortage of controversy surrounding the iPhone Duo and more specifically its delicate hinge mechanism. We’ve seen numerous reports of inner display damage with Apple openly acknowledging the issue, claiming it only affects “a small number of iPhone Duo units” and that affected users should contact Apple for a replacement.

But a report from Chinese outlet Jiemian News suggests Apple had “lowered its quality inspection standards” to get more Duo units out to retailers ahead of the holiday period. The information was disclosed by an unnamed Foxconn employee who specified that the iPhone Duo production line has already replaced “a batch of components” but the quality control standards have reportedly not been altered.

Apple is reportedly still prioritizing getting as many Duo units in stores ahead of the holiday season, with its goal of shipping 7.5 million units before the end of the year.

In related news, YouTube creator CuriousHagi shows a critical failure of the Duo’s internal hinge mechanism, which is the likely culprit of the whole fiasco.

The “cracking sound” that was reported by other users who experienced display damage seems to be related to a link-type hinge element that makes contact with the upper support plate.

Hinge element in question (source: CuriousHagi 궁금하기)

The element is located behind the midsection of the inner display and appears to be physically thinner than the other parts of the hinge.

Apple iPhone Duo

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