- Shortly after its launch, the inner displays of Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo are reportedly cracking along the hinge.
- iFixit’s teardown suggests the hinge design may be a culprit, potentially stressing the screen where it commonly breaks.
- Apple has acknowledged “an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units” and advises affected users to contact AppleCare for replacements.
Widespread Reports of iPhone Duo Screen Defects
Just hours after the official launch of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, numerous reports have surfaced globally regarding defects in its inner displays. Owners are finding their screens cracking along the hinge line, often accompanied by bright white or black lines of damaged pixels. The issue appears consistently across affected units, suggesting a potential systemic flaw.
Users on Reddit and other social media platforms are actively sharing images of their broken iPhone Duos, showing vertical and horizontal lines originating from the hinge area. Some owners reported unusual stiffness in the hinge before the cracks appeared, with a distinct popping or cracking sound when opening the phone.
Apple’s Response to the Problem
In response to the surge of complaints, Apple issued an official statement, confirming it is “aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units.” The company advised users experiencing this defect to contact AppleCare for a device replacement.
iFixit Teardown Reveals Potential Causes
iFixit, renowned for its detailed device teardowns, investigated the iPhone Duo to uncover potential reasons for the early screen failures. Despite the identified issues, iFixit awarded the iPhone Duo a repairability score of 5/10, which is notably high for a foldable smartphone (for comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 scored 4/10, and its predecessor 3/10).
However, the hinge and inner display were highlighted as the most vulnerable components. iFixit’s analysis indicated that screen damage occurs not precisely where the display cable passes through the hinge, but slightly lower, at a point where multiple edges meet and alter how the thin display is supported as it bends. The iFixit team speculates that a central support bar might not be dropping far enough, creating undue stress on the screen near where it reportedly breaks.
To test dust ingress, iFixit placed the iPhone Duo in a bag of glowing powder. After several openings and closings, the hinge began to “crunch,” suggesting that fine particles might be entering the mechanism, hindering its operation, and potentially adding stress to the screen.
Foldable Smartphone Repairability Comparison
| Model | Repairability Score (iFixit) |
|---|---|
| iPhone Duo | 5/10 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 | 4/10 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 3/10 |
Competitor Reactions and Comparison to Galaxy Fold
Amidst news of the iPhone Duo’s cracking screens, Samsung released an advertisement playfully mocking Apple’s issues, using the image of a sliced apple and comparing it to its own Galaxy Z Fold 8. This situation echoes the original Galaxy Fold’s launch in 2019, which was delayed due to similar display problems caused by dust ingress.
Experts observe that Apple, despite its engineering resources, faces a steep learning curve in the foldable segment. How Apple addresses this first-generation issue will significantly shape consumer confidence in the foldable category as a whole. PROSTO24 previously reported on Apple testing iPhone Duo 2 prototypes with under-display Face ID.
The iPhone Duo’s screen cracking issue underscores the inherent complexities in manufacturing foldable devices. For consumers, this implies that purchasing first-generation foldable gadgets carries certain risks, despite manufacturer assurances. Apple’s recommendation to contact AppleCare for replacements is standard, but potential buyers should consider these early problems. For the industry, it serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust hinge mechanisms and display protection, and obliges Apple to promptly resolve defects to maintain its reputation.
I’ve had my iPhone Duo for about two weeks, and I’m already seeing a faint line near the hinge. It’s not a full crack yet, but it’s definitely concerning. I love the bigger screen real estate, especially for reading, but the hinge feels a bit stiff compared to my friend’s Z Fold. I’ve been super careful, never dropping it, and keeping it in a dedicated pocket. My tip: don’t open it all the way with a ‘snap.’ Try a slower, deliberate motion, which seems to reduce some of the stress. Hopefully, Apple has a real fix coming soon, not just replacements.