Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is facing early durability concerns after some customers reported cracks and display malfunctions near the device’s central hinge.

The complaints surfaced shortly after the phone went on sale on October 23, 2026. According to reports by MacRumors and other technology publications, affected users shared photographs showing cracks and bright lines across the inner display.

Apple reportedly acknowledged the complaints on October 26 and advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacements. However, the company has not confirmed the exact cause of the reported screen damage.

Although the reports have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s first folding phone, the total number of affected devices remains unknown.

Foldable iPhone Owners Report Cracks Near the Hinge

Several early iPhone Duo buyers have described display problems around the central folding area.

According to MacRumors, an Australian customer reported that the inner screen cracked after approximately six hours of ownership and fewer than 20 opening movements.

The customer described feeling unusual resistance near the hinge before hearing a cracking sound. The display subsequently developed visible damage, and the device was reportedly replaced at an Apple Store.

Other photographs circulating online appear to show similar damage, including bright pixel lines extending from the folding area.

However, these reports do not establish how frequently the problem occurs among all iPhone Duo owners. Individual accounts also provide limited information about the circumstances behind each incident.

Could the iPhone Duo Hinge Be Behind the Display Damage?

Investigations by repair specialists have raised questions about how the iPhone Duo’s hinge mechanism interacts with its flexible inner display.

Repair website iFixit examined the device and identified a possible problem involving a central support component inside the hinge. According to its analysis, the component may fail to retract properly, potentially placing pressure on the display during folding.

Separately, AppleInsider reported on a teardown by YouTuber CuriousHagi that showed damage to an internal hinge component and marks suggesting contact with the display.

These findings have prompted speculation that a mechanical failure could contribute to some of the reported cracks. However, the investigations have not established that the same mechanism caused every reported incident.

Damage to a folding screen can involve several factors, including mechanical components, assembly tolerances and interactions between the hinge and display layers.

Further examination of affected devices will be needed to determine whether the reports share a common cause.

Apple Offers Replacements for Affected iPhone Duo Units

Apple has reportedly acknowledged that a limited number of iPhone Duo devices have developed inner-display problems.

According to reports, the company advised customers experiencing display issues to contact AppleCare for a replacement.

Some affected customers have reportedly received replacement devices through Apple Stores. However, limited replacement inventory has caused delays for certain buyers, according to the reports.

Apple has not announced a formal recall or confirmed a manufacturing defect. It has also not provided a detailed technical explanation of the reported screen failures.

Customers experiencing unexplained cracks or display faults should contact Apple Support rather than attempt to open or repair the device independently.

How Widespread Is the Foldable iPhone Problem?

Despite the attention surrounding the reports, there is not yet enough information to determine whether the issue represents a widespread durability problem.

AppleInsider reported that its initial checks with contacts at seven Apple Stores found very few cases of display failure at the locations examined. However, this limited sample cannot establish the failure rate across the entire customer base.

The reports also emerged during the early stages of the phone’s availability. More customer experiences and technical investigations will be needed to establish whether the affected devices share a manufacturing or design issue.

Apple’s first foldable phone represents a significant step into a smartphone category where hinge engineering and flexible displays present distinct durability challenges.

The iPhone Duo reportedly starts at $1,999 in the United States. At that price, long-term reliability and the availability of repair or replacement services are likely to be important considerations for prospective buyers.

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For now, the reported cracks warrant attention, but they should not be taken as proof that every iPhone Duo is affected. The full extent and underlying cause of the problem remain unconfirmed.