Apple has announced plans to replace some iPhone Duo devices after customers reported cracks and lines on the inner display of the company’s first foldable smartphone.
The development comes days after the device began reaching customers worldwide, following strong demand that saw initial supplies sell out within minutes.
The iPhone Duo features a book-style design that folds along a central hinge, with analysts previously warning that its complex construction could create manufacturing and supply challenges.
Concerns about the device emerged over the weekend after images shared on social media appeared to show cracks and lines developing on the inner screen, particularly around the central hinge.
Apple acknowledged the reports on Monday, saying the issue had affected a small number of units and advising customers experiencing display problems to contact AppleCare.
“We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units,” Apple said in a statement. “If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
The technology company did not disclose the cause of the reported damage or confirm whether it was linked to the phone’s folding mechanism.
Meanwhile, repair company iFixit examined the affected area using teardown footage, patents and CT scans to develop a three-dimensional simulation of the iPhone Duo’s hinge.
Its analysis found that the reported damage appeared to be concentrated just below an area where a display cable runs beneath the screen near a central support bar.
According to iFixit, the support bar could potentially fail to move far enough away from the display when the device is folded, creating additional pressure around the area where some of the cracks were found.
Apple has not immediately commented on iFixit’s findings.
Despite identifying a potential vulnerability in the display design, iFixit described the iPhone Duo as the most repairable foldable smartphone it has tested.
Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at market research firm IDC, said Apple’s decision to replace affected devices was an appropriate initial response to the issue.
Jeronimo pointed to Samsung’s experience with its original Galaxy Fold in 2019, when early reports of display failures raised concerns about the durability of foldable smartphones.
He said a rapid and transparent response from Apple could help limit the impact on consumer confidence in the broader foldable-phone market.
Goodness Anunobi
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