Apple acknowledges screen-crack issues on new iPhone Duo units

Apple says it is aware of screen-crack reports affecting a small number of iPhone Duo units, just days after its first folding smartphone went on sale on October 23. The device, priced at $2,000, has drawn complaints on social media platforms like X and Reddit from users who reported hearing a crunching sound and seeing pronounced cracks along the middle fold within hours or days of use.

Customer Support

Apple has advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for a replacement if their device is covered under warranty. For units that are out of warranty, an inner-screen repair will cost $999 on the company website. Several users shared photos of damaged screens and conversations with support, including a San Diego customer who felt a bump or loose piece under the display.

Technical Theories

Repair platform iFixit suspects the issue stems from the phone's complex hinge mechanism, which uses gears, springs, and curved guides. According to its teardown analysis, a central support bar may not be retracting properly as the device closes, putting excessive pressure on the inner screen and causing cracks near the central hinge support.

Context

Foldable phones rely on intricate mechanical hinges and flexible displays that undergo high mechanical stress during everyday opening and closing. Early hardware iterations in a new product category often experience initial manufacturing or design challenges before engineers refine the moving parts in later updates.