Apple acknowledges inner display cracks in small batch of iPhone Duo units and offers AppleCare replacements

Apple has confirmed that a limited number of its newly launched iPhone Duo foldable smartphones are experiencing cracks in the inner display. The problem, reported by users within the first three days of the device’s release, manifests as bright horizontal lines along the hinge and, in some cases, dead pixels. Apple’s statement to Engadget and CNBC indicates that owners who encounter the defect should contact AppleCare for a replacement, and that the issue affects only a small percentage of units.

The iPhone Duo, priced from $1,999, entered stores on Friday and quickly generated long queues and pre‑order wait times. Within the opening weekend, several customers posted images and videos on platforms such as X and TikTok showing the screen damage. The defect appears linked to a faulty inner hinge that exerts pressure on the display when the phone is folded or unfolded, according to observations from users and a teardown analysis by repair firm iFixit.

Background

Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, represents the company’s entry into a market that has struggled with durability since Samsung’s early foldable models in 2019. Those earlier devices also suffered from inner‑screen cracks during normal use, a problem that has been cited as a barrier to broader adoption of foldable technology. Early reviewers praised the Duo’s multitasking capabilities but noted that many apps had yet to be optimised for the larger, flexible screen.

Apple’s official response highlighted positive early feedback from users and developers, while acknowledging the screen issue. The company’s statement, quoted by both Engadget and CNBC, emphasised that the defect is limited to a “small number” of units and that affected customers should seek replacement through AppleCare. iFixit’s teardown, released after the reports surfaced, suggested that a manufacturing variance or even a grain of sand in the hinge’s dozens of precisely‑engineered parts could cause the fragile display panel to break.

Why it matters

The defect directly impacts owners of the iPhone Duo, a premium device that commands a high price point. For customers whose phones are still under warranty, Apple will replace the unit at no cost, mitigating immediate financial loss. However, Apple’s website lists a $999 fee for out‑of‑warranty inner‑screen repairs, underscoring the potential expense for users outside the warranty period.

Beyond individual consumers, the issue raises broader concerns for the foldable‑phone market. Persistent screen‑breakage has historically hindered consumer confidence and slowed adoption of foldable devices. If the problem proves widespread, it could affect Apple’s reputation for product reliability and influence developer investment in optimising apps for the Duo’s unique form factor.

What happens next

Apple has not announced a specific timeline for a hardware fix, but the company’s statement indicates that replacements will be processed through AppleCare as claims are received. iFixit’s analysis points to the hinge design as a possible root cause, suggesting that future production runs may incorporate design adjustments to improve durability. Meanwhile, developers are continuing to update applications to leverage the Duo’s larger screen, as noted by Apple’s spokesperson.