Apple's first foldable iPhone has barely reached customers, and some owners are already dealing with cracked screens. The iPhone Duo launched on Oct. 23 with a starting price of $1,999. Within hours, complaints began appearing online from people who said their new phones developed cracks along the folding display.

Even more concerning, several reports describe damage appearing in nearly the same location. Some owners say their phones made unusual noises before the screens failed. Others noticed bright white lines spreading across the display. Now Apple has acknowledged the issue and says affected customers can request replacements. However, the company has yet to explain exactly what's causing the failures.

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SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD8 LINEUP ADDS THREE CHOICES

iPhone Duo screen problems appear days after launch

Apple spent years developing its first folding iPhone. The device opens to reveal a 7.6-inch display, giving people a much larger screen without carrying a separate tablet. When closed, it looks like a compact smartphone with a 5.4-inch outer display. The design generated enormous excitement when Apple introduced it in September. However, that excitement took an unexpected turn shortly after the first phones reached customers.

Multiple iPhone Duo owners have reported cracks developing along the center of the inner display. In several cases, a bright line of damaged pixels extended from the fold toward the right side of the screen. Some owners have shared photos of the damage on Reddit, along with accounts of how quickly their new phones failed.

One owner, u/leftyhyzer16, said the screen cracked before setup was complete, after opening and closing the phone only a few times. Another owner, u/Midnight_Slump, reported a failure within six hours and received a replacement from Apple. Reddit moderators also checked additional photos and Apple paperwork provided by the owner. They confirmed the damaged phone and its replacement were genuine. Meanwhile, u/chimchambam said the display failed after just three hours. That owner reported being turned away by an Apple Store before ultimately returning the phone through Verizon. All three owners described problems appearing after very little use. Their experiences don't tell us how widespread the issue is, but they help explain why these early screen failures are getting so much attention.

Apple acknowledges the cracked iPhone Duo screens

On Oct. 26, Apple acknowledged reports about the damaged displays. In a statement provided to news outlets, the company said: "We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units." Apple has instructed affected owners to contact AppleCare for a replacement. That's encouraging news for anyone whose new phone has already failed, especially considering its $1,999 starting price.

However, Apple hasn't disclosed exactly how many devices are affected or identified what's causing the screens to crack. We also don't know whether the problem involves a manufacturing defect affecting certain phones or something in the overall design. We reached out to Apple for additional comment but did not receive a response before our deadline.

Why are the iPhone Duo screens cracking in the same place?

Here's what caught my attention. Several of the damaged screens appear to crack near the hinge, right where the phone folds. That's a pretty troubling place for something to go wrong on a $2,000 folding phone. So what's happening inside? The repair experts at iFixit took the iPhone Duo apart and used CT scans to get a closer look at its hinge. They spotted something that could help explain the damage. A small support bar may not move far enough out of the way when the phone folds. If the display presses against that bar, it could put enough pressure on the screen to cause a crack.

Now, I want to be clear. This is still a theory. iFixit hasn't confirmed that the support bar caused the reported damage, and Apple hasn't explained what's going wrong. But it does raise questions about how well the hinge and flexible screen work together, especially when people are already reporting similar cracks just days after buying the phone.

IOS 27 IS HERE: 10 IPHONE FEATURES YOU’LL WANT TO TRY NOW

Repairing an iPhone Duo could be extremely expensive

Here's another detail that caught my attention. Although iFixit found that the iPhone Duo was more repairable than other foldable phones it had tested, replacing its inner display remains complicated. The company gave the device a provisional repairability score of 5 out of 10. More importantly, it reported that an out-of-warranty inner-screen repair costs $999. That's roughly half the starting price of the phone.

Fortunately, Apple says customers affected by this particular display issue should contact AppleCare for a replacement. An AppleCare+ subscription is not required to request help for the acknowledged defect. However, accidental damage and unrelated screen repairs may fall under different coverage terms. You can learn more in our guide to checking your Apple warranty and what it covers.

What to do if your iPhone Duo screen cracks

If you recently purchased an iPhone Duo, pay attention to how the hinge feels when you open and close the device. A sudden increase in resistance or an unfamiliar popping sound deserves attention. If you notice something unusual, avoid forcing the phone open or closed. Don't repeatedly fold it to see whether the problem happens again. If your screen develops cracks or bright lines, here are some steps worth taking.

• Document the damage. Take photographs of the affected display if you can do so safely. Save your purchase receipt and note when the problem first appeared. These details may help when discussing the issue with Apple.
• Contact AppleCare directly. Visit Apple Support at support.apple.com/contact or arrange an appointment at an Apple Store. Explain what happened and mention Apple's acknowledgment of the inner-display issue. Even if you purchased the phone through a wireless carrier, Apple recommends contacting AppleCare for this problem.
• Back up your information before exchanging the phone. If your display still works, open Settings, tap your name, select iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup and choose Back Up Now. Make sure the backup finishes before handing over your device. If the screen no longer works, ask Apple about available recovery options.

Ask about replacement availability. Some affected customers have received immediate exchanges at Apple Stores. However, replacement inventory may vary. Contact Apple before making a special trip and confirm the next steps for your particular device.

Why one Samsung foldable fan is returning his iPhone Duo

The concerns go beyond cracked screens. My colleague Chris was excited to switch from his Samsung Galaxy Fold to Apple’s new iPhone Duo. But after trying it, he was so disappointed that he decided to return it to Best Buy and get an iPhone 18 Pro instead.

He found the interface buggy and cumbersome, missed having Face ID and felt the cameras fell short of his expectations. He also preferred the display quality of other phones. At nearly $2,000, he simply couldn’t justify keeping it, saying, "I think the craftsmanship is phenomenal. I love the heft and the solid nature of the device, but because I’m coming from a foldable, there were so many glaring missteps that Apple made along the way, and at first they were little, but little things add up to the point where you genuinely question whether this truly was ready for prime time."

Now, Chris’s phone didn’t crack. His complaints are about the overall experience. But when someone who already enjoys using a foldable phone decides Apple’s version isn’t worth keeping, that gets my attention. I still think the Duo has some impressive features, but between these early screen problems and Chris’s experience, I’d want to try one in person before spending that kind of money.

Kurt's key takeaways

I've been looking forward to seeing what Apple could do with a foldable iPhone, and I still think the Duo is an impressive piece of technology. But I have to admit, these early screen failures would make me nervous about spending nearly $2,000 on one. I give Apple credit for acknowledging the problem quickly and offering replacements. That's the right response. What I want to know now is why these screens are failing and whether Apple can prevent the same thing from happening to replacement devices. Then there's my colleague Chris, who already knows his way around a Samsung foldable and still found Apple's version disappointing enough to return it. That tells me Apple has some convincing to do beyond fixing the screen issue. At this price, I want a phone that feels like an upgrade, not one that makes me question what I'm giving up. For now, I'd be inclined to wait rather than rush out and buy one.

If you spent nearly $2,000 on Apple's newest iPhone and the screen cracked within days, would a free replacement restore your confidence, or would you demand your money back? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Apple unveiled a long-awaited touchscreen MacBook Pro after years of resisting the feature, topping off a fresh wave of product announcements under CEO John Ternus.

The redesigned MacBook Pro in 14- and 16-inch sizes was presented yesterday (28 October), with a tandem OLED display it calls PROLED XDR and touch input which is being brought to macOS for the first time.

Apple stated the touch sensor is built into the panel rather than layered on top, which cuts latency.

It is targeting the feature at designers, musicians, and developers testing iPhone and iPad apps. It noted the touch function works alongside the keyboard and trackpad rather than replacing them. Hardware chief Johny Srouji called it a monumental step for the Mac.

Reuters noted Apple executives had long resisted the idea. Steve Jobs said in 2010 laptop touchscreens were “ergonomically terrible”, and Tim Cook, then CEO, said in 2012 that such devices would be as pleasing to users as converging a toaster and a refrigerator.

“I’m glad to see Apple adopt the best-in-class display technologies with its industry leading silicon and design,” Anshel Sag, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, told Mobile World Live. “OLED and touch has long been the mark of a premium laptop for Windows and now I’m glad to see Apple embracing both technologies together.”

Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models of the MacBook Pro offer configurations featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with up to 24 hours of battery life.

Orders opened yesterday, with shipping from 6 November. Prices start at $2,899 for the 14-inch M5 Pro and run to $4,799 for the 16-inch M5 Max.

The launch is the latest in a run of hardware announcements under Ternus, who took over as CEO from Tim Cook in September. His first big reveal was the foldable iPhone Duo foldable smartphone, priced at almost $2,000.

On 13 October, Apple expanded its smart home portfolio of devices, led by the $299 HomeView display built to show off Siri AI. Apple also announced a new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2 and accessories made with LG and Schneider Electric.

Ternus is reportedly pushing to speed up product development and is weighing a move away from Apple’s usual launch cycles.

The post Apple adds touchscreen option to laptop range appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Apple News promoted more than 80 stories that negatively framed Republican priorities in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections, while promoting zero positive stories, according to new research.

The post Study: Apple News Pushed 84 Negative Headlines About GOP Priorities Before Midterms, Zero Positive appeared first on Breitbart.

• Apple unveiled its first-ever MacBook Pro with a touchscreen.
• It starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model.
• The price of personal computers has risen due, in part, to a memory and storage shortage.

Apple's MacBook Pro is entering its iPad era.

Apple announced its first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen on Wednesday during its "Pro and Tell" event in Los Angeles. The touchscreen models mark a major evolution of Apple's traditional MacBooks that rely on keyboards, computer mouses, or trackpads for input.

The laptop, featuring what Apple calls its "PROLED XDR display," is powered by the company's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and includes a Dynamic Island cutout in the screen, similar to recent iPhones.

Touching your MacBook Pro won't come cheap

The touchscreen MacBook Pros are available for preorder on Wednesday and will officially launch on November 6. Prices for the 14-inch model start at $2,899, and the 16-inch model starts at $3,399.

That's a notable price jump from the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6, which Apple announced on Tuesday. That model starts at $1,999 and has a Liquid Retina XDR display.

Apple's price hikes come as the tech industry weathers a global memory shortage driven by the expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure. With other PC makers also boosting prices, consumer demand across the industry has wavered, according to Counterpoint Research. The tech market research firm said global PC shipments have fallen 21% year-to-year from July to September.

Apple has raised prices for its products several times in recent months, including in June when the company raised the cost of some Mac and iPad models by as much as $300.

The touchscreen MacBook Pros are the latest product drop from Apple. The company announced a new iPad Mini with an OLED screen on Monday and a new iMac with its M6 chip on Tuesday.

• A version of this post appears in CMO Insider.
• Sign up for Business Insider's marketing newsletter.

Keep calm: We have a plan.

That's essentially been the adtech industry's response to Apple's latest crackdown on web trackers.

The workaround may only be a temporary fix, however.

Apple recently implemented new restrictions in its Safari browser designed to stamp out "identity resolution," a method used to track users across different devices and websites by linking data points such as IP addresses, email addresses, and other identifying information collected about them.

Adtech has largely united around a proposed solution: Move the identity resolution process so it takes place inside publishers' and adtech companies' servers rather than in the browser, where Apple has more control. Adtech industry execs have said the move will mitigate disruptions to publishers' revenue and measurement from Apple's blockers, while still allowing them to respect users' privacy choices.

Privacy experts, on the other hand, say that while the server-side shift might succeed temporarily, it's far from a permanent solution. Apple has made it clear that attempts to circumvent its tracking protections could trigger further restrictions on adtech companies.

"It's tough to predict how long Apple would need to find ways to block workarounds, but adtech companies that bet against the browser are in for a rude awakening at some point in the future," said Zach Edwards, a cybersecurity researcher and cofounder of the adtech transparency platform DecryptAds.

The stakes extend beyond the adtech companies whose technology Apple is blocking. Publishers and advertisers have increasingly relied on identity resolution to target specific audiences and to measure whether campaigns are working. If identity resolution becomes less effective, advertisers could shift more of their budgets away from web publishers and to platforms like Google and Meta that have reams of their own logged-in user data.

Anthony Katsur, CEO of the IAB's Tech Lab, which created the Trusted Server project, said its estimates show that the Apple-powered browser ecosystem accounts for 40% of total web traffic, which leaves a large chunk of potentially unaddressable ad inventory.

"That creates tremendous downside for media companies to then prove themselves to agencies and brands they work with that, yes, a consumer saw this ad, and they converted," Katsur said.

How Apple could thwart adtech's server-side solution

How could Apple block identity resolution if the data matching occurs only on servers outside its control?

There is a precedent. When Apple blocked third-party tracking cookies in Safari, some adtech companies used a workaround called CNAME cloaking. It made third-party trackers appear to Safari as if they belonged to the website a reader had chosen to visit — known as "first-party" activity. Apple soon identified and developed protections against that tactic.

Edwards said many server-side tracking systems still rely on cookies or other identifiers stored in a user's browser to recognize them across websites. Apple can block the collection of identifying information before it reaches the server.

Privacy-focused browser company Brave, for example, already blocks scripts that are known to collect and record information used for server-side identification, said Pete Snyder, the company's principal researcher.

Katsur of the IAB Tech Lab said the switch to server-side isn't an attempt to trick the browser.

"This isn't about circumventing consumer privacy preferences; this isn't about circumventing regulations; it's about moving the advertising stack to a publisher-controlled server-side solution that complies with legal regulations," Katsur said.

He added that through the Trusted Server, publishers can also strip out unwanted third-party tracking identifiers from ads.

Katsur acknowledged Apple was likely to clamp down on server-side identity resolution eventually, but that the tech giant risks breaking essential web functionality if it goes too far.

The consumer opt-out option

Some server-side matching may be impossible for Apple to stop through browser technology alone. If someone provides their home address to an e-commerce site for delivery of their purchase, Apple's Safari can't prevent the retailer from knowing it. The retailer could then potentially use that information to match the customer against other databases.

Snyder said it's why Brave supports consumer opt-out mechanisms like the Global Privacy Control signal, a browser setting that tells a website a user doesn't want their data sold to or shared with third parties for targeted advertising, a preference companies must honor where the law requires it. Starting January 1 next year, the state of California will require browsers to provide an easy-to-find setting that lets users opt out of having their personal data sold or shared.

"Protecting users against this kind of tracking requires 'privacy in depth,' or using a wide range of privacy protections, by default and automatically, to minimize how often users share identifiers, and to, whenever possible, block sites trying to collect those identifiers," Brave's Snyder said.

Moving identity resolution to servers may temporarily put the method out of Safari's current reach, but not necessarily out of Apple's sights.

"This is basically a cat-and-mouse game, but the cat in this instance is a trillion-dollar company controlling one of the most valuable user data supply chains in the world," Decrypt Ads' Edwards said.

• Apple's new iPhone Duo is inspiring viral internet memes.
• Social media is buzzing about cracked screens and doomscrolling potential.
• Here are some of the most creative memes about Apple's latest creation.

Apple's long-awaited iPhone Duo is here, and while a folding phone is nothing new, it's the company's first, and it has a waitlist a mile long.

However, Apple diehards with Duo already in hand are reporting issues with the folding screen, and some have posted about their buyer's remorse online.

The cracking screen

Early owners have reported cracks along the Duo's center fold, sometimes accompanied by a bright line of stuck pixels across one side of the inner display. Apple said the issue affects a "small number" of units and directed affected customers to AppleCare for replacements.

The reports have also generated crack-themed jokes and wallpapers online — though some widely shared images of damaged Duo screens have been altered or AI-generated.

One X account made a wallpaper for those who could not afford the Duo but would like to experience the crack.

In a statement to Business Insider, Apple said that the response to iPhone Duo from early users has been "incredibly positive."

"If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement," Apple said.

The crypto memes

The crypto world made a connection to the iPhone Duo when the official Crypto.com account posted earlier in October about how the folding phone would be perfect for traders.

The association soon became memes playing on the stereotype that crypto traders are delusional and unemployed.

The multi-screen design

Many believe that the iPhone Duo's multi-screen design will be hazardous to our already short attention span by allowing multiple activities at once.

While the Duo's 7.6-inch inner display supports two apps side by side, its 5.4-inch outer display can be used when the phone is closed.

That setup has also prompted jokes about what is known as a "performative male," referring to men publicly pretending to enjoy certain niche genres of books and music in order to attract women.

Another post, more of a real video than a meme, demonstrated the iPhone Duo's potential to exacerbate doomscrolling.

For anyone worried that one screen wasn't enough for your nightly scroll, Apple has a $1,999 solution.

Dias após lançar seu primeiro iPhone dobrável, a Apple reconheceu na segunda-feira (26) que alguns dos dispositivos apresentam problemas na tela e se comprometeu a substituí-las.

A empresa começou a enviar o iPhone Duo na semana passada, com clientes em todo o mundo formando filas para garantir o estoque limitado após os pedidos iniciais online esgotarem em minutos. Analistas afirmaram que a Apple provavelmente enfrentará restrições de fornecimento porque o modelo, que se desdobra como um passaporte, é complexo de fabricar.

Durante o fim de semana, publicações nas redes sociais mostraram o iPhone Duo com rachaduras e linhas na tela interna, ao longo da dobradiça central onde o celular se dobra.

A Apple reconheceu os problemas, afirmando que as unidades afetadas tendem a apresentar o problema rapidamente.

“Estamos cientes de um problema que afeta a tela interna de um pequeno número de unidades do iPhone Duo”, disse a Apple em comunicado. “Se os usuários estiverem enfrentando problemas com a tela do iPhone Duo, devem entrar em contato com o AppleCare para obter uma substituição”.

A companhia não revelou o que poderia estar causando o problema.

iPhone Duo recebeu relatos de telas quebradas

A iFixit, empresa que publica relatórios de desmontagem de dispositivos eletrônicos juntamente com guias sobre como repará-los, afirmou ter usado imagens da desmontagem, patentes e tomografias computadorizadas para construir uma simulação 3D da dobradiça do iPhone Duo, que foi comparada com os locais de danos relatados.

A iFixit afirmou que suas simulações encontraram os danos relatados concentrados logo abaixo de onde um cabo da tela passa por baixo dela, perto de uma barra de suporte central. Essa barra pode não estar se afastando o suficiente da tela quando o telefone é dobrado, “criando um pequeno ponto de tensão próximo ao local da quebra relatada”, disse a empresa.

A Apple não comentou imediatamente as conclusões da iFixit, que também afirmaram que o iPhone Duo é o telefone dobrável mais fácil de reparar entre os que testaram.

Francisco Jeronimo, vice-presidente da empresa de pesquisa de mercado IDC, afirmou que a oferta de substituição rápida da Apple foi o “primeiro passo certo” para responder aos problemas.

“Todos nos lembramos de quando a Samsung enfrentou problemas com o Galaxy Fold original em 2019, mas isso também mostrou que uma resposta rápida e transparente pode conter os danos a uma categoria”, disse Jeronimo.

Apple alerta que novos produtos podem não ser tão lucrativos quanto iPhone |CNN MONEY NEWS

A Apple anunciou nesta terça-feira (27) um novo MacBook Pro e um iMac de 14 polegadas equipados com seu mais recente chip M6. A empresa promete desempenho mais rápido para executar tarefas de IA diretamente nos dispositivos.

O MacBook Pro de 14 polegadas tem preço inicial de US$ 1.999, enquanto o iMac começa em US$ 1.499.

No Brasil, o MacBook varia entre R$ 24.999 (14 polegadas) e R$ 37.999 (16 polegadas). Já o iMac sairá por a partir de R$ 17.999.

Os clientes poderão pré-encomendar os dois produtos a partir de quarta-feira em 35 países e regiões, incluindo os EUA, com disponibilidade a partir de 6 de novembro. A disponibilidade no Brasil ainda não foi anunciada.

Novo processador e mais IA

A Apple afirmou que o MacBook Pro com processador M6 oferece gráficos até 30% mais rápidos e desempenho de IA até 25% mais rápido do que seu antecessor com M5, além de até 24 horas de duração da bateria, a maior já vista em um Mac.

O novo iMac oferece desempenho de IA no próprio dispositivo até cinco vezes mais rápido do que o modelo M4 anterior, afirmou a Apple.

Os lançamentos acontecem um dia antes do evento “Pro and Tell” da Apple, que acontecerá em Los Angeles no dia 28 de outubro e, segundo a Bloomberg News, deverá apresentar o primeiro MacBook Pro com tela sensível ao toque da Apple.

*Com informações da Reuters

El iPhone Duo está recibiendo un número creciente de quejas de usuarios que aseguran que la pantalla plegable se les ha agrietado. Las primeras denuncias aparecieron en foros como Reddit y en redes sociales como X o TikTok. El medio Bloomberg News se ha hecho eco de estos incidentes y ha verificado con más de media docena de clientes los hechos. Apple ha reconocido en un comunicado un problema que “afecta a un número reducido de unidades”. Recomienda, en estos casos, contactar con AppleCare para solicitar una sustitución. La compañía no ha explicado qué provoca las grietas ni si tiene previsto solucionar el problema de forma general.

Seguir leyendo

Apple maintained device launch momentum by revealing its latest iPad mini would go on sale later this week, destined to reach customers early next month.

In the US prices start at $699 for a Wi-Fi only model and $849 for those also equipped with mobile connectivity. Storage options are 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, with midnight and starlight the colours on offer.

Apple emphasised the device “fits in the palm” and is a “huge leap in performance”, wireless connectivity, and resistance to water or dust ingress, for which it carries an IP67 rating.

It features an 8.5-inch OLED offering two-times greater peak brightness than previous iPad mini models. Apple’s A20 Pro processor is on board, which the vendor highlighted offers advantages in performing AI-related tasks.

The model runs iPadOS 27, along with the latest iterations of Apple’s Intelligence and Siri assistant, which are configured to tailor responses to individual users.

Dave Pakula, VP of Hardware Engineering, said past models are “beloved” by “creators and small business owners” along with “doctors, field service workers and gamers”.

Apple promises “punchier bass” and greater volume from upgraded speakers featuring custom tweeters.

It emphasised a 12MP camera “on the landscape edge” is configured for video duties, with an equivalent-sized unit on the rear geared towards photo and videography.

The company’s N1 wireless networking chip is compatible with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, described separately by a namesake working group as a “secure, low-power mesh networking protocol” for IoT.

Apple stated the latest iPad mini is 5.4mm thick: GSM Arena pegs the remaining dimensions at 195.3mm by 132.6mm.

The post Apple hands baton to iPad mini appeared first on Mobile World Live.

• Peter Thiel said Apple hasn't innovated since the iPhone.
• Thiel said Tim Cook hasn't taken the company in new directions.
• The billionaire venture capitalist said eccentric CEOs like Elon Musk "are way better for society."

Peter Thiel, evidently, isn't a fan of the iPhone Duo.

In fact, the billionaire PayPal cofounder and tech investor said he hasn't been very impressed with much of anything that Apple has done since its eccentric founder, Steve Jobs, died of cancer in 2011.

"In my telling, it did nothing new after Jobs," Thiel said of the iPhone maker in a September interview with author Walter Isaacson for the "Builder's Podcast," which was released on Thursday.

"It turned out, yeah, the mobile phone was this giant invention — there was not that much more to do," he said. "Then it was just scaling and branding and building it out over 15 years or whatever."

Indeed, Apple has faced criticism for failing to innovate beyond the mobile phone and tablet, especially in the age of AI, where its "Siri" product is not as advanced as rivals from ChatGPT or Anthropic.

Jobs unveiled the first iPhone back in 2007 at a conference in San Francisco. Nearly 20 years later, Apple released the 18th iteration this week, with one slight caveat: This one folds.

That said, MacBooks are the de facto laptops for many an AI-nerd and normie alike. iPhones are ubiquitous, and the sleek AirPods design took hold when they were released in 2016.

Though Thiel told Maureen Dowd of The New York Times in 2017 that Apple's era was over, the company's stock price has grown steadily since then.

Thiel didn't pooh-pooh Apple entirely. He called it a "pure, well-run value stock," but lamented what he described as the loss of vision after Jobs' death.

"I would still say somehow Elon or Steve Jobs are way better for society than Tim Cook," he said.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment sent on Saturday.

Apple shrugged off widely-reported delays to shipments of iPhone Duo models by delivering the first units to eager customers worldwide.

Pictures from various of the vendor’s retail locations showed a clamour for its first foldable model, which hit stores on time based on the release schedule Apple gave when it unveiled the device in September.

Apple stated it is offering a range of trade-in and leasing options on the devices, which have a starting price of $1,999 for versions with 256GB of storage.

The vendor may be particularly pleased with the turnout at a store in Shanghai, China, given the nation is one of its biggest markets.

Bloomberg journalist Vlad Savov wrote the iPhone Duo could ignite a so-far muted foldable smartphone market, though also cautioned the sector may remain niche if Apple fails to shift enough of the devices.

Reports last week pointed to significantly longer waiting times for customers ordering the devices online compared with previous Apple smartphones, with shipments tipped to take up to three months instead of the roughly six weeks of past devices.

Apple highlighted there are “exceptional” deals to be had purchasing iPhone Duo models through mobile operator channels.

The post iPhone Duo hits stores appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Paulina Montesinos met a man named Baruc, an Italian in his thirties with an attractive profile, on the dating app Bumble. After they matched, their story moved quickly: they chatted for days, went out on a few dates and soon he started showing strong affection and lavish gestures. “I’ve met the perfect man,” she thought. He also presented himself as vulnerable, neurodivergent and with an intense past that aroused deep empathy in Montesinos.

Seguir leyendo

Apple added a US titanium supplier for the iPhone Duo, committing up to $100 million to Pennsylvania-based Perryman Company while expanding domestic production of camera technology for the iPhone 18 Pro.

As part of its American Manufacturing Program (AMP), Apple said today (20 October) the deal with Perryman is over the next three years for titanium used in its products, including the iPhone Duo, which starts at $1,999.

The announcement follows reports of tight supply for Apple’s first foldable. The phone is due in stores on 23 October, but online delivery estimates slipped to January 2027 within minutes of preorders opening on 16 October.

Apple stated Perryman will melt, forge, and roll grade 5 titanium, which it said will contain at least 80% recycled material. Titanium is used for the Duo’s enclosure, providing durability, according to the iPhone maker.

It is also expanding its partnership with Qnity Electronics, headquartered in the US state of Delaware, to produce technology for the new variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro camera system.

Apple said nearly 100 components used in the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, from wireless chips to the silicon which powers key functions across the devices, are produced by US companies across more than a dozen states.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) Arizona plant will produce more than 100 million chips for Apple in 2026, while ​Corning’s Kentucky facility ​will make ⁠all cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches sold worldwide by year end.

Apple also highlighted investments with other AMP partners, including Broadcom for US-made chips and Amkor Technology, which is building a semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Peoria, Arizona.

“We’re thrilled to expand our work with companies producing advanced materials and components for our newest iPhone lineup right here in America,” stated Apple COO Sabih Khan.

The post Apple pledges $100M to US titanium supplier for iPhone Duo appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Apple’s first foldable smartphone is facing a supply crunch within minutes of preorders opening, with delivery estimates for the iPhone Duo slipping into January 2027.

Preorders opened at 8am in New York on 16 October, ahead of the device’s scheduled retail launch on 23 October. By then, Apple’s online store was showing delivery dates that crossed into late January across both colour options and all storage tiers, from 256GB to 2TB.

Customers across social media platforms including Reddit and X reported delays despite following Apple’s advice to reserve their preferred colour and storage configuration in advance. According to Bloomberg, retail stores also exhausted their initial preorder stocks almost immediately.

It remains unclear whether the delays reflect unanticipatedly strong demand, limited supply or a combination of both. Apple typically reserves some units for walk-in customers on launch day, potentially offering buyers a way to secure the device sooner.

Unveiled last month as part of its first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, the iPhone Duo marks Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone segment, which has so far remained a relatively niche category despite offerings from established rivals. The device starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, making it the vendor’s most expensive iPhone to date.

Last month, Counterpoint Research estimated Apple could sell around 6 million iPhone Duo units in 2026, potentially providing fresh momentum for the foldable market. At the time, Counterpoint Research senior analyst Ivan Lam noted the number was “contingent on how well the company ramps up production of the new hardware”.

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Mobile World Live (MWL) brings you our top three picks of the week as Apple ramped up its smart home ambitions, AT&T agreed a $2 billion sale of its Mexican business and Nokia offloaded its Enterprise Campus Edge unit.

Apple revamps smart home strategy with HomeView

What happened: Apple unveiled a new smart home hub and a range of connected devices as it stepped up efforts to challenge Amazon and Google in the market.

Why it matters: The centrepiece of its launch was the HomeView Hub, a smart display featuring the company’s upgraded Siri AI. Apple also partnered with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to introduce the Apple Home Collection, covering indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, thermostats and door locks.

Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said that despite its “cautious approach”, Apple had been waiting for the upgraded Siri to launch its home range, “given how important the voice interactions are with this product”. He also pointed to the partnerships as a way to reduce installation issues, saying they address “one of the category’s biggest barriers: the complexity of getting things working”.

Meanwhile, analysts at ABI Research said the launches represent “a more serious push into the smart home” by Apple but noted it “still trails Amazon and Google on smart home maturity”, arguing tighter integration with other devices and a personalised user experience will be central to its prospects. They also stated, “Apple’s long-term position will depend on how open it becomes to third-party devices, services, and possibly external AI agents.”

AT&T strikes $2B sale to exit Mexico

What happened: AT&T agreed to sell its Mexican business to Grupo Televisa and Fintech Holdings for $2 billion, ending its decade-long attempt to challenge America Movil’s dominance in the country.

Why it matters: Grupo Televisa and Fintech Holdings will each take an equal stake in the operation. AT&T Mexico had 24.7 million wireless subscribers as of 31 December 2025, equivalent to around 16% of the market. Meanwhile, incumbent America Movil’s Telcel held approximately 58%.

LightShed Partners analysts Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone described the move as part of a wider strategic shift under CEO John Stankey, noting AT&T is increasingly focused on “US wireless and highly durable fibre business”. They said the $2 billion sale proceeds represent less than five weeks of AT&T’s annual capital investment, arguing the Mexican operation has limited relevance to its future priorities. They also pointed to America Movil’s resilience, noting that “Telcel still controls nearly 60% of the market, while AT&T and Telefonica are heading for the exits”.

The analysts further highlighted a potential competitive threat from SpaceX, whose combination of terrestrial spectrum and satellite capacity could challenge traditional wireless economics.

Nokia offloads Enterprise Campus Edge unit

What happened: Nokia agreed to sell its Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) business to investment firm Aurelius Group, as it continues to offload assets and streamline its core strategic focus.

Why it matters: ECE serves almost 900 customers across manufacturing, mining, logistics, airports, ports and power generation. Its portfolio spans private wireless networks, industrial devices, on-premises operational technology, edge computing and software for industrial AI applications. Nokia said the sale would allow it to focus capital and resources on areas offering greater long-term value. ECE will operate as a standalone company under Aurelius, with employees expected to transfer when the deal closes. Earlier this month, Nokia sold its fixed wireless access customer premises equipment business to US broadband vendor Inseego.

Future Wireless principal analyst Pablo Tomasi called ECE sale “the end of a bold chapter” in Nokia’s history, arguing the vendor had abandoned its push to become an industrial vendor. Kyung Mun, principal analyst at Mobile Experts noted ECE was “a smaller part of its overall private networks business”, which also includes railway and defence. He noted Nokia held more than 50% of core and RAN equipment sales in 2025 including both industrial and enterprise segments, adding: “The ECE business grew in the low double digits. Let’s see how it does under the new owner.”

The post The Friday File: Apple HomeView; AT&T Mexico; Nokia ECE appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Apple, Nvidia and EchoStar chair Charlie Ergen reportedly committed $25 million each for the construction of US President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project, which has raised $333 million to date in private donations.

The Washington Post reported “the vast majority of the funds raised came from companies and wealthy individuals with interests before the federal government” after obtaining an internal spreadsheet used to track contributions for the fundraising effort.

The Post noted more than three-quarters of the funding was pledged in amounts of at least $5 million, with Amazon, Comcast, Microsoft, and T-Mobile US among the largest corporate donors.

It stated Nvidia and Ergen, among others, requested their donations be kept anonymous

The news site noted companies or executives of firms that have had contracts with the federal government during Trump’s second term accounted for about half of the total funds raised for the project which also includes office space and an underground military facility.

According to internal contractor documents obtained by the Post, the total cost of the project is now $600 million after Trump initially stated he and wealthy donors would pay the estimated $400 million project, although Reuters reported he later unsuccessfully asked Congress for $1 billion. The Post noted Trump’s name did not appear on the list of 67 donors who contributed $10,000 or more to the project.

The funds for the project are administered through a complex, multi-step pipeline involving a private nonprofit, federal agencies and direct oversight by the Trump administration.

The news agency reported Nvidia became “a top contributor to the ballroom in October 2025, nearly three months after it struck a groundbreaking pact with Trump to sell advanced microchips to China despite national security concerns”.

“As an American company, our support for the United States is paramount, and independent of any business interests,” a representative for Nvidia told Mobile World Live. “We were proud to be able to make a donation to a nonpartisan trust that serves all Americans and have said so publicly since the donation was made.” 

Apple and EchoStar did not reply to requests for comment on their contributions.

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