Apple has acknowledged a display issue affecting a small number of its new iPhone Duo handsets following reports of screen cracks. The high-profile foldable device, which carries a starting price of $1,999 or £1,499, became available globally last Friday. According to experts, There had been too few examples to determine whether there was a more serious problem with Apple’s first foldable device, which retails from $1,999 (£1,499).
Reports surfaced on social media and platforms like Reddit, with users claiming the inner display failed shortly after purchase.
One Australian owner recounted a malfunction occurring within six hours: “I was showing it to a friend, and as I opened it, I felt something around the internal hinge, underneath the screen,” the user wrote. “As I continued opening it, I heard an audible crack, and the screen broke right along the hinge.”. Which resulted in a similar screen malfunction, has been unable to verify the user’s claims. Another user in Australia posted that they had heard “almost a cracking noise” on their handset.
They described hearing an “audible crack” before a white strip of light appeared across the display. The user noted their local Apple store replaced the device immediately.
Other incidents have been highlighted in reports by Bloomberg, with users in the US and India also flagging similar screen defects. Apple issued a statement confirming a display glitch, noting: “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.” Apple confirmed some devices had been affected by a display glitch.
This launch marks the first major release overseen by CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September. Despite the early hardware concerns, Apple described the initial consumer response as “incredibly positive.” The company reported extraordinary demand, with current stock sold out and additional shipments not expected until January, according to data from Taiwan’s Economic Daily.
Industry analysts emphasize that it remains too early to determine if these cracks represent a systemic defect. Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president at IDC, suggested such issues are not uncommon for new form-factor products. “What matters now is how the company responds,” Jeronimo said, comparing the situation to the 2019 launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which navigated similar early-stage hardware hurdles through transparency and swift replacements. He said: “What matters now is how the company responds … Samsung experienced problems with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, but it also showed that a fast and transparent response can contain the damage to a category, citing similar problems at Samsung in 2019.
CCS chief analyst Ben Wood expressed a cautious perspective, stating there is currently no evidence to suggest these problems are widespread. He maintained that Apple’s policy of offering immediate replacements is the appropriate initial step to manage consumer confidence while the company investigates the reported failures.
