Although Apple has acknowledged display defects in its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, and initiated a free replacement program, consumer complaints regarding delayed replacements and service-related confusion are mounting both domestically and abroad.

While Apple stated that it has secured separate inventory to replace defective units, some consumers reported being told that replacement devices are unavailable or that it is difficult to receive service due to a surge in repair requests.

According to U.S. IT media outlet PhoneArena, a consumer who recently experienced issues with the internal display of their iPhone Duo was told by Apple that prompt replacement service was difficult to provide due to a high volume of repair requests.

The consumer stated via the online community Reddit that they contacted Apple after experiencing a bulging phenomenon at the bottom of the device screen, and were informed during the consultation that replacement was possible as it was determined to be a manufacturing defect.

However, Apple reportedly later explained that prompt replacement was difficult due to a flood of repair requests, and advised that even standard product replacements could require waiting until January of next year.

Cases of replacement delays are also being reported in South Korea.

Some domestic buyers of the iPhone Duo who recently visited authorized service centers after the internal display broke during use reportedly could not receive immediate replacements on-site and had to wait over a day before receiving new devices.

Previously last month, Apple stated, "We are aware of an issue affecting the internal display in a small number of iPhone Duo units," adding that affected users can receive replacements through AppleCare.

The policy was to support free replacements regardless of purchase channel if product defects are confirmed, responding by securing new replacement products as well as refurbished units.

However, as some consumers experience inconveniences during the actual replacement process, doubts are being raised regarding Apple's after-sales service response capabilities.

In particular, while Apple maintains its stance that the defects are limited to a small number of products, it has yet to disclose the exact cause or the scale of the affected products.

Apple is known to have recently sent guidelines for diagnosing and handling display defects to frontline Apple Stores and authorized service centers.

However, detailed explanations regarding the cause of the problem or measures to prevent recurrence have not been released.

Product supply conditions are also a variable.

The iPhone Duo has experienced supply shortages since its initial launch, meaning that new orders in South Korea take a considerable amount of time to be delivered.

Even if Apple has secured separate inventory for replacements, it is difficult to rule out the possibility of additional service delays depending on the actual scale of defects and future replacement demand.

(Photo: Yonhap News)