Apple has confirmed that a limited number of its newly launched iPhone Duo foldable smartphones are showing cracks in the inner display. The company said the problem affects a “small number” of units and advised owners who encounter the issue to contact AppleCare for a replacement.
User reports of screen cracks
Reports of display failures began to surface on Reddit and other social media platforms shortly after the iPhone Duo went on global sale on a Friday. One Australian user posted that the phone cracked within six hours of ownership. The user described feeling a sensation around the internal hinge, noticing a white strip of light across half the screen, and hearing an audible crack as the device was opened. An image attached to the post showed a visible line of damage along the hinge. The same user said the local Apple Store replaced the handset immediately, though The Guardian was unable to verify the claim.
A second Australian contributor reported hearing an “almost a cracking noise” that resulted in a similar screen malfunction. Bloomberg’s coverage also highlighted comparable complaints from users in the United States and India, suggesting the issue is not confined to a single region.
Apple’s response and expert analysis
In an official statement, Apple acknowledged awareness of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. The company emphasized that early adopters have responded “incredibly positive” overall, and reiterated that customers experiencing the problem should seek a replacement through AppleCare.
Industry analysts cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. Francisco Jeronimo, vice‑president of data and analytics at IDC, noted that such problems are “quite common when a new product comes to market” and that it is too early to assess the significance of the screen cracks. He referenced Samsung’s 2019 Galaxy Fold challenges, adding that a swift and transparent response can limit damage to a product category. Jeronimo praised Apple’s recommendation for replacements as the appropriate first step.
Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS, took a similarly cautious stance, stating there is currently no evidence of a widespread defect and that the situation warrants close monitoring.
Market impact and future shipments
Despite the emerging issue, demand for the iPhone Duo has been described as “nothing short of extraordinary”. The device, priced at $1,999 (£1,499), represents Apple’s most high‑profile launch under its new chief executive, John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September.
According to Taiwan‑based Economic Daily, the iPhone Duo sold out quickly after release, and the next wave of shipments is not expected until January. The rapid sell‑through, combined with the early reports of display cracks, places Apple under pressure to manage both consumer expectations and quality control for its first foldable handset.
Mitchell Landsberg is a Senior Technology Correspondent at News Raise. He covers consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, software developments, and digital privacy trends.
