Apple has acknowledged display problems affecting a small number of its newly released iPhone Duo foldable smartphones, following customer reports of screens cracking within hours or days of use. The company confirmed the issue on October 26, 2026, three days after the $1,999 device became available, and said affected customers could request replacements through AppleCare.
According to Bloomberg, several early buyers reported hearing a crunching sound when unfolding their devices, followed by cracks appearing along the inner display’s central crease. Some customers also experienced white patches, vertical lines and other display malfunctions.
Early Buyers Report Cracks and Display Malfunctions
Customer complaints began appearing on Reddit and other social media platforms shortly after the iPhone Duo’s October 23 release. Bloomberg independently verified reports from more than six customers who provided photographs of damaged screens or records of their interactions with Apple support.
Several affected users described the folding mechanism becoming unusually stiff before the display cracked. Others reported feeling a raised section beneath the screen near the hinge, where damage subsequently appeared.
404 Media separately reported complaints about prominent creases developing across the folding display. The reports have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, which was introduced on September 9 at its Surprise and Shine event.
Apple Offers Replacements for Affected Devices
Apple confirmed that it was aware of an issue affecting the inner displays of a limited number of iPhone Duo units. The company advised customers experiencing display problems to contact AppleCare for replacements.
Apple said most devices were unaffected and that problems generally appeared relatively soon after customers began using their phones. However, the company has not disclosed the number of affected units or identified the cause of the damage.
Repair specialists at iFixit have examined the iPhone Duo’s hinge mechanism and suggested that a central support component could be contributing to the reported failures. Their analysis indicates that the component may not retract sufficiently during folding, potentially placing pressure on the flexible display, although Apple has not confirmed this explanation.
Display Issues Follow Apple’s First Foldable Phone Launch
The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone category, joining manufacturers that have previously encountered durability challenges with flexible displays. Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold, released in 2019, also experienced early screen failures that prompted design changes before its wider release.
Apple had promoted the iPhone Duo’s folding mechanism and display engineering as major features of the device. The company has not announced whether it plans to modify the design or introduce manufacturing changes in response to the complaints.
Featured image credits: Apple
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