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Apple has acknowledged display problems affecting a small number of its newly launched iPhone Duo foldable smartphones, raising concerns about the durability of its first folding iPhone just days after its release.
The company began shipping the devices last week, with initial online orders selling out quickly amid strong demand and limited supplies. However, early buyers have reported cracks and visible lines developing on the inner display, particularly around the central hinge where the phone folds.
Some users have also described hearing unusual crunching or cracking sounds while opening their devices. The reports have sparked questions about whether the problems stem from the phone's design, manufacturing process or the delicate nature of foldable screens.
Apple confirmed that it was aware of the issue and advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacement assistance. The company has not yet explained what causes the damage or disclosed how many devices have been affected.
Repair firm iFixit examined the phone's hinge mechanism using teardown footage, patents and CT scans to create a three-dimensional simulation. Its analysis suggested that the damage reported by users appeared to cluster near a display cable and a central support bar.
According to the firm, the support bar might not move sufficiently clear of the display when the phone folds, potentially creating a concentrated pressure point. Apple has not publicly confirmed this explanation.
Despite the concerns, iFixit also described the iPhone Duo as the most repairable foldable phone it had tested, suggesting that the device has some advantages in terms of maintenance and repairs.
The reports come as Apple expands into the foldable smartphone market, a category that has challenged manufacturers with questions surrounding screen durability, hinge design and long-term reliability.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States, making it a premium purchase for consumers considering a switch to foldable technology. An out-of-warranty inner-screen repair has also been reported to cost approximately $999, underscoring the potential expense of damage outside warranty coverage.
Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at market research firm IDC, said Apple's quick replacement offer was an appropriate first response. He noted that Samsung's experience with its original Galaxy Fold in 2019 demonstrated the importance of responding transparently to early product problems.
For now, the extent of the iPhone Duo's screen issue remains unclear. While reports have raised concerns, there is not yet enough evidence to establish whether the problem is widespread or limited to a small number of devices.
