Apple Acknowledges Screen Flaws on New iPhone Duo Following Launch Reports

Apple says a small number of iPhone Duos have shown cracked inner screen problems and tells owners to contact AppleCare. The two-thousand-dollar device launched globally on Friday, October 23, marking the company's first folding smartphone.

User Reports

Soon after the launch, users began reporting that the hinge tightened, causing cracks and bright lines on the display when opening the device. Multiple social media posts on Reddit and other platforms showed displays breaking near the central hinge support and cable opening. Some owners reported hearing a crunch sound while folding or unfolding the phone, with one Australian user stating an Apple Store replaced their unit immediately. Certain posts claimed their units cracked during the initial setup process.

Technical Findings

iFixit published a teardown of the phone and built a 3D model of the intricate hinge, which uses gears, springs, and metal joints along with a waterdrop design. The teardown suggests that a central support bar sometimes fails to retract properly as the phone closes, placing excessive pressure on the display. Researchers also found that curved rails guiding the hinge might interfere with the screen, while converging structural edges concentrate stress on delicate layers.

Context

Foldable phones rely on complex mechanical hinges and flexible screens that must withstand thousands of opening and closing cycles. Hardware makers routinely refine these moving parts to prevent stress on fragile inner displays. Apple's new device is one of the first major product releases since John Ternus took over as CEO from Tim Cook.