Highlights
- Apple has confirmed reports of screen damage on its newly released foldable phone, the iPhone Duo.
- Apple is offering replacements for affected iPhone Duo handsets.
- iFixit’s teardown report suggests hinge pressure or debris could be causing the inner display. Though Apple has not officially confirmed the root cause.
Following reports of screen cracks on the iPhone Duo by early buyers, Apple has acknowledged the issue publicly. The company has responded to the concerns of users and has explained the warranty replacement processes for the affected customers and gave the details on how to get support from AppleCare.
Apple released a statement saying that it was aware of the issue, which it said affected a “small number” of phones, and that it would replace the devices under its AppleCare warranty. The iPhone maker also clarified on its website that an inner-screen repair will be $999 for iPhone Duo handsets that are out of warranty.
What Is Happening to the iPhone Duo’s Inner Screen?
Crack on iPhone Duo’s Inner Display
Based on early user reports and initial reviews, the inner screen cracking issue has been raised regarding the iPhone Duo.
Cracks and Bright Lines Reported Along the Hinge
Lines reported along the hinge
Users have reported hearing faint popping or crunching sounds when opening or closing the iPhone Duo, immediately followed by screen damage along the hinge crease. Photos and video show the inner screen cracks exactly along the centre line of the hinge. This is usually a crack across the fold line and may include a line of dead or bright pixels
Users Report Problems Shortly After Unboxing
Lines visible on iPhone Duo screen
In many cases, users reported screen damage immediately hours or days after they unboxed their iPhone Duo. Apple said that in most cases the affected units will show the problem fairly quickly during normal opening and closing.
Why Are iPhone Duo Screens Cracking?
Users have reported inner screen cracks along the hinge and possible hardware defects, but technical investigations suggest that localised mechanical stress surrounds the folding mechanism.
iFixit Points to a Possible Hinge Support Issue
Image source: iFixit
While early user reports and initial reviews highlight several key issues regarding the iPhone Duo, iFixit performed an initial teardown of the phone following the launch.
iFixit, a firm that publishes teardown reports of electronic devices, pointed out that localised pressure on the innerside of the ultra-thin display panel, caused by microscopic debris, slight manufacturing variances, or uneven pressure from internal support structural parts, could cause the iPhone Duo to crack when bent during normal use.
The company created a 3D simulation of the iPhone Duo hinge using teardown footage, patents and CT scans and compared it with the reported damage locations.
Apple Has Not Confirmed the Cause
Since the iFixit teardown report highlights a possible hinge support issue, Apple did not immediately comment on the iFixit findings, which also found the iPhone Duo to be the most repairable foldable phone it has tested. However, the proposed mechanical stress theory is still a hypothesis until Apple completes its internal engineering analysis.
How to Get an iPhone Duo Replacement
Apple has established a direct replacement path for the affected iPhone Duo users who are showing any signs of inner display cracking, lines or touch unresponsiveness. Based on the company’s response, contact AppleCare if your iPhone Duo shows inner display cracking or line artefacts.
Users can also request AppleCare’s Express Replacement Service, which will provide a replacement phone before they send their defective one back.
What Owners Should Know About Replacement Availability
Acknowledging the screen-cracking reports, Apple is providing replacements for the affected devices. iPhone Duo owners do not need to have AppleCare+ coverage to get a replacement for this specific defect. They have to contact AppleCare directly, rather than through any retailer.
Is the iPhone Duo Screen Cracking Issue Widespread?
Despite many photos and videos shared online regarding the iPhone Duo screen issue, the company said in a statement, “The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor. We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
The statement does not explain the cause of the problem, the exact number of affected units, or whether Apple plans a broader fix.
What iPhone Duo Buyers Should Know
Apple has publicly acknowledged an internal screen cracking defect that affects a small percentage of early iPhone Duo units. While the company has not confirmed the official root cause, iFixit teardown reports point toward hinge tolerance or pressure issues.
Apple has advised affected iPhone Duo owners to receive a replacement device through AppleCare directly.
