Apple has acknowledged an inner-display problem affecting a small number of its first foldable smartphones, the iPhone Duo, after early buyers reported cracks and display failures near the hinge. The company has advised customers experiencing problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement. Apple has not disclosed how many devices are affected or identified the cause.
The $1,999 phone began reaching customers on October 23, according to Reuters. Reports of damaged screens have raised questions about the durability of the new foldable design, but the available reports do not establish how widespread the issue is.
What iPhone Duo Owners Are Reporting
Some owners have posted images showing cracks, bright lines or other display malfunctions around the inner screen’s central fold. Several users said the damage appeared after only hours or days of use. The Los Angeles Times, citing reporting by Bloomberg, said it independently verified accounts from more than half a dozen customers.
These are early reports, not evidence that every iPhone Duo—or even most units—has the problem. Apple has described the affected group only as a “small number” and has not published a failure rate.
What Apple Has Said About Replacements
Apple said it is aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. The company advised owners who experience display problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The statement did not explain what causes the damage or announce a repair programme, recall or permanent fix.
Some affected customers have reportedly received replacement phones, while others have faced delays linked to limited availability. Owners should contact AppleCare or an Apple Store directly to confirm the options available for their specific device; replacement eligibility and timing should not be assumed.
Could the Hinge Be Involved?
Repair specialists have suggested possible explanations, but Apple has not confirmed a cause. Reuters reported that iFixit used teardown footage, patents and CT scans to model the hinge and found that reported damage clustered near a central support bar and a display cable.
iFixit suggested that if the support bar does not move clear of the screen as intended during folding, it could create a concentrated stress point. That remains a theory, not a confirmed engineering finding. Apple has not publicly endorsed it, and further investigation would be needed to determine whether the reports share one cause.
How Widespread Is the Screen-Crack Issue?
The scale of the problem remains uncertain. Apple has not released an affected-device count, and posts on social media cannot establish the rate of failure across all phones sold. Reports from customers and media investigations help document individual cases, but they do not yet show whether the issue is isolated or points to a broader defect.
For buyers, the practical advice is straightforward: if the inner display develops cracks, lines or other faults, stop putting pressure on the screen and contact AppleCare for guidance. Keep purchase details and photos of the damage available when seeking support.
What Happens Next?
Apple’s response so far is to direct affected owners to AppleCare for replacements. The company has not publicly explained the cause, stated how many phones are involved or announced a broader corrective action. Those details may become clearer if Apple completes its investigation or provides further guidance.
Apple’s foldable-phone coverage is part of a wider product cycle. Read our related report on Apple’s reported touchscreen MacBook Pro plans and expected pricing.
Sources: Reuters; MacRumors; Los Angeles Times.