Apple says a small number of iPhone Duo screens are cracking

What happened

Owners of Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, have reported cracks in its inner screen, and Apple has now acknowledged the problem. Reports surfaced on Reddit and other social media after the handset went on general sale globally on Friday, the Guardian reported ^[1]. The device retails from $1,999 (£1,499) ^[1].

Apple's statement, shared with The Verge, said: "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." ^[1] The company also said the response from early users had been "incredibly positive" ^[2].

What owners are seeing

The Verge described reports of cracked inner screens, often with a bright line running from the centre towards the right side ^[2]. One user in Australia posted on Reddit that the phone cracked within six hours of getting it, and said they heard an audible crack along the hinge as they opened it; the Guardian said it could not verify that account ^[1]. The user said their local Apple store replaced the phone immediately ^[1]. The Guardian also cited a Bloomberg report of similar issues among users in the US and India ^[1].

The Verge reported that, according to Apple, most units are not susceptible and that the issue appears quickly on units that have the defect ^[2]. It added that iFixit published a teardown over the weekend suggesting that, where damage has happened, the foldable screen might be pushing against a centre bar ^[2].

How serious is it?

Analysts urged caution. Francisco Jeronimo of IDC said it was too early to tell whether the problem was significant and that such issues are quite common when a new product comes to market ^[1]. He pointed to Samsung's problems with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, saying a fast and transparent response can contain the damage to a category ^[1]. Ben Wood of CCS said there was as yet no evidence of a more widespread issue ^[1]. Experts told the Guardian there were too few examples to judge ^[1].

Apple said demand had been "nothing short of extraordinary" ^[1]. The Guardian cited a report from Taiwan's Economic Daily that the device has sold out and that the next round of shipments is not expected until January ^[1]. The Duo is among the first major launches since John Ternus took over from Tim Cook as chief executive ^[2].

What it means for you

If you are a business buying iPhone Duos for staff, the practical advice is simple. Apple's stated route is AppleCare, which it says will replace affected phones ^[1]. Check any unit carefully in the first days of use, and keep proof of purchase. With stock reportedly sold out until January, replacements may matter as much as new orders ^[1].

For everyone else, this is a reminder that first-generation hardware carries risk. The numbers are unknown: Apple says "small number" and has not given a figure ^[1]. Until more data appears, there is no independent evidence that the fault is widespread, and equally no evidence that it is not.

Source: The Guardian — iPhone Duo owners report cracks in Apple's first foldable handset