Apple Acknowledges iPhone Duo Display Problems After Early Users Report Cracked Screens

Some iPhone Duo early adopters are facing issues about the phone’s foldable screen and Apple has acknowledged reports of cracked inner displays and early buyers began sharing images of damaged screens just days after the foldable phone reached customers.

The company said it was aware of an issue affecting a small number of devices and has advised affected users to contact AppleCare immediately for a replacement. Apple has not disclosed how many units are affected or identified the cause of the problem.

Reports began circulating on social media shortly after deliveries started. Several owners described the cracks started to appear along the display’s central folding area, sometimes accompanied by bright lines, white patches, or other display abnormalities. Some users claimed the damage occurred even during ordinary opening and closing the device, without an obvious drop or impact.

Bloomberg, which independently verified reports from more than half a dozen customers, also documented cases in which users said their screens failed within hours or days of receiving the phone.

In a teardown published on October 25, repair specialist iFixit examined the phone’s hinge and internal components to investigate where the damage might originate. Its analysis identified a section of the hinge support structure that could potentially place excessive stress on the flexible display as the device folds. However, this remains a possible explanation rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Apple has not publicly identified a specific hardware defect or explained why the affected screens are cracking.

iFixit’s teardown also highlighted the challenges of repairing a foldable phone, where the display and hinge assemblies are closely integrated. Although the company found aspects of the iPhone Duo relatively repairable compared with other foldables, the inner display and hinge remain significant complications.

It is still too early to determine whether the reported failures indicate a widespread manufacturing defect or an issue affecting a limited number of units at this point. Apple’s display replacement program provides an immediate option for affected customers, but the longer-term implications will depend on how frequently the problem occurs and whether the company identifies a common cause.

For a foldable phone such as the iPhone Duo, display durability is particularly important. The inner screen must withstand repeated bending while remaining functional, making the hinge and the way it supports the display critical parts of the design. Until Apple provides further details or more extensive testing establishes the failure rate, reports of damaged units should not be taken as evidence that every iPhone Duo is affected.

For now, the issue represents an early durability concern for Apple’s foldable phone, with the extent of the problem still unclear.