Apple's iPhone Duo appears unable to escape the problems that have followed its launch. Some Apple customers have already canceled their preorders after reports of cracks developing in the phone's inner display spread online.

Now, another issue has emerged. Unusual gaps along the phone's frame and hinge are adding to concerns about a device that was expected to mark a turning point in iPhone history.

Although the new defect does not appear to be as widespread as the cracked-screen problem, it is attracting attention because some devices seem to have suffered from assembly issues.

At first, the problem appeared to be an isolated case. But much like the earlier Crackgate controversy, more users have begun reporting similar defects.

For customers who have spent a substantial amount of money on Apple's first foldable iPhone, the latest reports could be the final straw that convinces them to cancel their orders.

iPhone Duo develops gaps in frame and hinge, sparking 'Gapgate'

The latest controversy has been dubbed "Gapgate" by the online community, a tongue-in-cheek nickname that could become widely recognized if reports continue to grow.

Photos and accounts shared online suggest that some iPhone Duo units may not have been assembled correctly.

Unusual gaps have appeared along the edges of the phone's frame and even around the hinge.

In some cases, the openings are large enough to expose internal components.

This is more than a cosmetic concern. Such gaps could directly compromise the IP68 dust and water resistance rating that Apple advertises for the device.

If the phone's enclosure is not properly sealed, its ability to protect internal components from environmental exposure may be reduced.

More seriously, improper assembly could place unintended stress on the frame and internal components. That is particularly concerning for a foldable device with a complex mechanical structure such as the iPhone Duo.

The earlier Crackgate controversy involved reports of cracks forming along the crease of the inner display.

One theory suggested that components inside the hinge mechanism might have shifted out of position, placing pressure on the screen.

If assembly defects are also subjecting the phone's frame to abnormal stress, the possibility of further damage during everyday use cannot be dismissed.

Some reported Gapgate cases are less severe, involving smaller gaps that are difficult to notice.

Even so, these devices appear to show signs of imperfect alignment between parts of the frame.

Over time, repeated opening and closing could make the problem worse if components continue moving outside their intended positions.

Could the iPhone Duo hinge allow dust and sand inside?

The earlier Crackgate controversy involved reports of cracks forming along the crease of the inner display.

One theory suggested that components inside the hinge mechanism might have shifted out of position, placing pressure on the screen.

If assembly defects are also subjecting the phone's frame to abnormal stress, the possibility of further damage during everyday use cannot be dismissed.

Some reported Gapgate cases are less severe, involving smaller gaps that are difficult to notice.

Even so, these devices appear to show signs of imperfect alignment between parts of the frame.

Over time, repeated opening and closing could make the problem worse if components continue moving outside their intended positions.

Could the iPhone Duo hinge allow dust and sand inside?

Beyond the gaps apparently caused by assembly defects, another potential weakness has been identified in the iPhone Duo's design.

The spine of the device, which houses the hinge mechanism, appears to contain openings large enough for dust, sand and small particles to enter.

This is a particular concern because foldable phones have significantly more complicated structures than conventional smartphones.

Their hinges contain numerous moving components that require precise alignment and protection against foreign particles.

Samsung has addressed this risk in its foldable smartphones by incorporating protective elements at both ends of the hinge.

These features help prevent dust and debris from entering the folding mechanism.

Apple, by contrast, does not appear to have implemented a similar protective solution on the iPhone Duo.

It remains unclear whether this was an oversight during development or whether Apple determined that the issue was not serious enough to warrant additional engineering measures.

Whatever the explanation, the growing number of complaints is raising questions about the design and manufacturing quality of Apple's first foldable iPhone.

With a price tag of around $2,000, customers have reason to expect Apple to address potential durability problems and ensure that the phone's internal components are adequately protected.

Crackgate and Gapgate shake buyer confidence in iPhone Duo

The succession of reported defects is beginning to affect the iPhone Duo's commercial appeal.

Rather than focusing on the advantages of its foldable design and new technology, online discussions are increasingly dominated by concerns about hardware reliability.

Apple has instructed employees at its retail stores to handle damaged iPhone Duo units through repairs or replacements, provided the damage was not deliberately caused by the user.

However, after-sales support has not been enough to eliminate growing concerns.

Some customers canceled their preorders as soon as Crackgate began attracting widespread attention.

Others are now considering doing the same, worried that the device they receive could suffer from one or more of the problems reported online.

The concerns are creating a ripple effect. When individual cases of defective devices are repeatedly shared on social media, prospective buyers may begin to believe that their chances of receiving a faulty phone are much higher than they actually are.

Nevertheless, not everyone is ready to cancel.

Some customers still prefer to wait, having placed their orders early and already faced significant delivery delays after the initial stock sold out quickly, partly due to purchases by resellers.

That means these buyers still have time to weigh their options before their devices arrive.

Hai Phong