Within days of its Oct. 23 launch, some iPhone Duo buyers say the phone’s inner screen snapped in half, raising durability questions about Apple’s first foldable.
Key points
- Several iPhone Duo owners have reported the inner screen cracking within hours of opening the device.
- Apple has publicly acknowledged the issue and is offering replacements through AppleCare for affected units.
- The problem appears limited to a “small number” of devices, but durability concerns persist among early adopters.
- Experts point to the ultra‑thin glass layer as a potential weak point in the folding mechanism.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, hit stores on Oct. 23 with prices ranging from about $2,000 to over $3,000. Within hours, a handful of owners posted photos and videos of a crack running across the inner display near the hinge, describing a loud pop and a sudden break as they tried to open the device.
Jesse Dalton, a Texas resident who bought a 512‑GB Duo for roughly $2,200 after a trade‑in promotion, said the phone “got super tight” halfway through the hinge, and a loud pop was followed by a crack that split the screen. He was able to swap the unit for a replacement at a nearby Apple Store within about 30 minutes.
Early user experiences
Another report came from Roneshia, who received the phone as a graduation gift. She said the inner screen cracked the morning after purchase, after encountering resistance while opening the phone. Apple staff told her the device could not be repaired and that a replacement was the only option, though back‑order delays left her in “limbo.”
Apple confirmed to CBS News that it is aware of “an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units” and advised affected users to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The company also highlighted positive early feedback and ongoing developer support for the new form factor.
Apple's response
TechRadar’s editor at large Lance Ulanoff explained that the Duo’s folding screen comprises multiple layers—including ultra‑thin glass, which may be the most fragile component. He noted Apple’s unusually swift acknowledgment of the problem and said he has not experienced any issues with his own Duo after a week and a half of use, but he will continue to monitor the situation.
Reader questions
What is the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, launched on Oct. 23 with a hinge that lets the device open like a book and an inner OLED display that folds.
How many users have reported screen problems?
The reports cited in the CBS News article involve a handful of owners who posted videos and photos online; Apple describes the issue as affecting a “small number” of units.
What should owners do if their iPhone Duo screen cracks?
Apple advises users experiencing the inner‑display issue to contact AppleCare for a replacement, as repairs are not currently offered.
Source: cbsnews.com
