Apple Confirms Foldable Screens Are Cracking on Some iPhone Duo Devices

Apple confirmed on October 26 that an issue had affected the internal screens of a small number of iPhone Duo devices. According to some users, the screen cracked along the hinge, and a bright line appeared extending from the center to the right side. The company says the defect affects a small proportion of devices. Those experiencing the issue can contact AppleCare to have their phone replaced.

Reports began circulating shortly after the iPhone Duo went on sale. On some devices, the hinge became stiff, and the internal screen cracked when the phone was opened. In Australia, one user’s phone was replaced immediately at an Apple Store. Even if the device was purchased from a mobile carrier, users should contact AppleCare directly, and an AppleCare+ subscription is not required. In the future, replacing the internal screen will cost $999 (approximately 1,700 manats).

Some of the reports were shared on Reddit and other forums. Alongside images of genuine defects, fake AI-generated posts were also identified. Based on teardown footage, patents, and computed tomography scans, iFixit created a 3D model of the hinge. According to the analysis, cracks occur beneath the cable connecting the screens, where several components meet.

iFixit believes the central support may not lower far enough when the device is closed. When this happens, the foldable screen touches the support, placing excessive pressure on a small area. In another durability test, the iPhone Duo was opened and closed 900 times per hour using a specialized machine. At the time of publication, the device had completed 55,000 folds without any problems.

iFixit gave the iPhone Duo a repairability score of 5 out of 10. The company called it the easiest-to-repair foldable smartphone it has taken apart to date. By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max received scores of 7 out of 10. Removing the screen’s outer frame was easier than on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Because the internal components are arranged flat, the camera and mainboard can be replaced without disassembling the entire device.

The adhesive system that releases the battery using low voltage was also praised during the teardown. This method allows the battery to be removed without bending it or creating a risk of puncture. Although Apple released the repair manual quickly, official replacement parts are not yet available for sale. The model lost points primarily because repairing the internal screen and hinge is difficult and time-consuming.