Overview
- Apple launched the iPhone Duo on Oct. 23 and is still ramping production, with many orders pushed into 2027 and executives saying they cannot predict when supply will meet demand.
- Early buyers and reviewers reported inner‑screen cracking and bright lines in the fold area, which Apple says affects a very small share of units and is offering replacements for.
- Apple has released an iOS 27.3 developer beta that adds Duo‑specific UX fixes such as horizontal reachability plus expanded Apple Intelligence features, while some users note temporary regressions like Display Zoom being locked and WeChat multi‑login loss.
- Counterpoint Research reports Q3 2026 global smartphone shipments fell about 19% and SoC shipments fell about 21% while average selling price rose roughly 27%, a mix that is supporting revenue but squeezing OEM margins through 2027.
- Competitors have publicly highlighted Duo’s screen reports—Samsung ran ads in Canada showing a cracked foldable screen—and scalpers who hoarded early stock say they are facing heavy losses as demand cooled and confidence wavered.