Apple acknowledges the iPhone Duo screen cracking issue is real, offers replacements

It’s a bit astounding that this is happening to Apple, since the company took its time entering the category, and then launched a phone that costs an eye-watering Rs 3 lakh. While first-generation products can have teething problems, foldable smartphones are no longer new, and buyers spending this much can reasonably expect better durability.

iPhone Duo screen crack reports

Several iPhone Duo owners have reported their inner displays cracking along the centre line of the hinge, with a horizontal block of pixels subsequently getting stuck glowing white. Around ten distinct cases have surfaced on Reddit and other forums so far, although the actual scale of the problem remains unclear. Renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman has also posted about the problem saying the issue is “real” and that Apple hasn’t given any guidance on it to customer service representatives or its stores, but the company is investigating.

Some owners claim the damage appeared within hours of unboxing, with a couple reporting that their displays cracked during the initial setup process. Most of the reported failures appear to follow a similar pattern, raising questions about a possible hardware issue.

Apple has acknowledged the complaints. In a statement to 9to5Mac, the company said:

“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.”

Several affected buyers have reportedly received replacement devices through Apple Stores. Customers who purchased the phone through carriers have had a less straightforward experience in some cases, with limited replacement stock and at least one reported instance of a buyer being told they would have to pay for the damage. Apple says users do not need AppleCare+ to qualify for a replacement for this issue. The company hasn’t explained what is causing the screens to crack or announced any manufacturing changes.

One working theory circulating online points to a potentially misaligned hinge component pressing against the inner display. However, this remains unconfirmed. Suggestions that users should avoid pressing the centre of the display while folding the phone are also unverified, and Apple has not issued specific handling guidance.

iPhone Duo durability tests and teardown raise questions

The complaints coincide with findings from independent durability tests and iFixit’s teardown. JerryRigEverything’s bend test left the inner display with a permanent green line after the hinge sustained damage under pressure. Its dust test also showed particles entering the hinge mechanism and preventing the phone from closing properly. However, users must note that these tests involve conditions that do not necessarily reflect everyday use, so they don’t establish that the same failures will occur during normal handling.

iFixit’s teardown identified potential stress points around the hinge support and curved rails that guide its movement. The team suggested that certain components could place excessive pressure on the display, although it hasn’t established a definitive cause for the reported cracks. There’s some encouraging news though: iFixit gave the iPhone Duo a provisional repairability score of 5/10, the highest it has awarded a foldable phone. However, the findings haven’t yet established whether the reported failures stem from a design issue or a defective batch of components.

iPhone Duo repair costs: Should you be worried?

Apple lists the inner display replacement cost at Rs 1,49,900 in India, while repairing the outer display costs Rs 42,900. Other damage can cost as much as Rs 2,24,900, making accidental damage an expensive risk. The reports warrant attention, but they don’t necessarily establish a widespread defect. The roughly ten distinct cases reported so far are not enough to determine the failure rate, especially without official sales figures or a clearer picture of how many devices are affected.

Still, it’s doesn’t negate the fact that this is awkward for Apple. Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold faced display failures before its launch, but foldable technology has had several generations to mature since then. It is understandable that a first-generation iPhone might have teething problems, but that’s a harder sell when the phone costs nearly Rs 3 lakh and the category is no longer in its infancy.

Prospective buyers may want to wait for more clarity on the cause and prevalence of the failures. Existing owners should contact AppleCare if their display develops a problem, rather than assuming they will have to pay for a replacement.