Apple has confirmed an issue with the inner displays of its recently launched $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo, after customers reported experiencing cracks and bright streaks near the hinge—sometimes just hours after taking the device out of the box.
The tech company announced on Monday that it would provide replacements for affected devices, just three days post-launch, when the phone had already drawn large crowds and lines outside Apple stores nationwide.
“We are aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units,” an Apple representative stated. “Any users encountering display problems with their iPhone Duo should reach out to AppleCare for a replacement.”
One Australian buyer, who goes by Midnight_Slump on Reddit, shared that his Duo’s screen cracked after approximately six hours of use and fewer than 20 openings.
He reported feeling something strange under the display near the hinge while showing the phone to a friend, followed by a noticeable crack as he continued to open it.
After Apple proposed an express replacement that involved holding the full price of the device, he visited a local Apple Store, where employees immediately exchanged his damaged phone for a new one.
“Day zero, six hours of ownership, and already on my second phone,” he posted.
Similarly, in Dallas, another Reddit user known as leftyhyzer16 recounted his experience of the Duo’s hinge becoming notably tight after folding it about four times during setup, culminating in a loud pop when he forced it past the resistance.
He mentioned that AT&T warned him about potentially losing his place in the order queue for a replacement through the carrier, but thankfully, the Dallas Apple Store had one available and swapped it out right away, free of charge.
The reports of these issues may overshadow Apple’s entrance into the foldable smartphone market, which has long been scrutinized for its durability.
“At $1,999, confidence in the product is essential,” noted Ravi Sawhney, CEO of industrial design firm RKS Design. “Consumers expect to use an advanced device without constantly worrying about protection.”
He added, “The risk for Apple lies in creating hesitation around opening the phone,” and that if people start questioning whether simple interactions could be detrimental to their purchase, it dramatically alters their relationship with the product.
While Sawhney advised caution in assuming the hinge is at fault for the defects, he emphasized that a bright line indicates a malfunction in the display but doesn’t reveal the root cause.
“With a folding product, the entire mechanical system—display layers, support mechanisms, hinge movement, clearances, and assembly tolerances—needs thorough examination,” he explained.
He suggested that investigators compare damaged devices with unaffected units from various production batches and recreate the issues under controlled settings. Consistent problems in properly assembled devices might suggest a design flaw, whereas defects confined to specific batches could indicate manufacturing inconsistencies.
As of now, Apple has not revealed the specific cause of the issues or the number of devices impacted.
The company claims that most units are not prone to these problems, stating that affected phones typically show signs quickly, according to Bloomberg.
For buyers, the potential financial implications are significant. Apple charges $999 for an out-of-warranty inner-screen repair—about half of the Duo’s initial price—although those affected by the identified problem might not incur charges for replacements.
This rocky start follows a hectic release that involved customers camping outside Apple stores, including one individual who allegedly waited 18 hours outside the flagship location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Some stores ran out of walk-in inventory soon after opening, while others had to turn away frustrated customers who had invested considerable time waiting in line.
Sawhney remarked that how Apple addresses these complaints could be crucial for preserving customer trust in its new product.
“If these defects are isolated and managed appropriately by Apple, confidence could be restored,” he indicated. “However, ongoing uncertainty could lead potential buyers to delay their purchases, affecting the broader market for foldables.”
