Apple’s first foldable iPhone is facing questions over its display durability, and now a key component supplier has stepped in to defend its products. FineMTEC, a South Korean manufacturer linked to the iPhone Duo‘s hinge-related components, has denied that defects in its parts are responsible for the reported screen failures and warned that it could pursue legal action over false claims.
The statement comes days after iPhone Duo owners began reporting cracked inner displays, with some failures appearing after only a handful of folds. While the hinge has emerged as a possible source of the problem, neither Apple nor FineMTEC has confirmed the cause.
Apple supplier denies responsibility
In a statement titled “Official Position Regarding Customer’s New Product Quality Issue,” FineMTEC said the reported quality problems in certain foldable phones were not caused by defects in the components it supplied. The company didn’t explicitly name Apple or the iPhone Duo. FineMTEC makes internal backplates and hinge-related metal plates that support foldable OLED displays. Market reports have linked the company to the iPhone Duo’s supply chain.
The supplier said determining the cause of a failure in a finished product requires technical investigation, given the number of components and mechanical systems involved in foldable phones. It added that its parts meet customer specifications and quality standards through strict quality-control processes. FineMTEC also said it is considering civil and criminal legal action against anyone who publishes or deliberately spreads false information that damages its reputation.
What’s happening to the iPhone Duo’s display?
Reports of cracked inner screens surfaced shortly after the iPhone Duo went on sale. Affected owners have described cracks running along the central hinge line, sometimes accompanied by a horizontal block of pixels glowing white or bright lines appearing across the display. Some users claim the damage occurred during initial setup or after fewer than 20 folds. Apple has acknowledged an issue affecting a small number of units. It has asked affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacements, without requiring AppleCare+ for this specific issue.
The cause remains unclear. A possible hinge-component defect has emerged as one theory, with speculation that a misaligned part could exert pressure on the delicate inner display. However, this hasn’t been established, and FineMTEC’s statement doesn’t identify the component or product involved.
Display durability has been a challenge for foldables since Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold encountered screen problems before its launch. Manufacturers have since refined hinge mechanisms and display construction, but the category still involves more delicate components than conventional smartphones.
For Apple, the reports are embarrassing given the iPhone Duo’s premium price and the company’s delayed entry into the segment. Buyers considering the iPhone Duo may want to wait for further clarity on the failures and Apple’s response. Existing owners whose displays develop cracks or bright lines should contact AppleCare rather than assume the damage is chargeable. Until a technical investigation establishes what’s going wrong, assigning blame to any one supplier would be premature.
Apple iPhone Duo Images
| Expected Price: | Rs. 299,900 |
| Release Date: | 2026-10-23 (Expected) |
| Variant: | 12 GB RAM |
| Phone Status: | Upcoming Phone |
