iPhone Duo Screen Cracking: What Apple Has Said and What Owners Should Do
Some owners of Apple's $1,999 foldable report cracks along the hinge within hours of use. Apple says it affects a small number of units.
Apple's first foldable phone has hit a familiar first-generation snag. Since the iPhone Duo went on sale on October 23 for $1,999, a stream of owners have posted photos of cracks forming on the inner screen, usually right along the hinge.
Many reports describe a bright line of pixels appearing next to the crack, sometimes after only a handful of folds. Some owners said the damage appeared within hours of setting the phone up.
Apple's response
On October 26, Apple told MacRumors it was aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units, and said affected customers should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Some buyers have reported getting immediate exchanges at Apple Stores, though replacement stock can vary.
What might be causing it
Apple has not explained the cause. Analysts quoted by Fortune say Samsung Display is the only supplier of the Duo's folding panel, and one teardown covered by Design News suggests the phone's hinge geometry could be concentrating stress in one spot. iFixit gave the Duo a provisional repairability score of 5 out of 10, which is high for a foldable, but replacing the inner screen is still involved.
If you own one
- Inspect the inner screen along the fold in bright light.
- If you see a crack or a line of pixels, stop folding it and contact AppleCare or visit an Apple Store.
- Keep your receipt and take photos of the damage in case you need them later.
Samsung's original Galaxy Fold faced similar problems in 2019, and later models improved a lot. Whether Apple needs a hardware revision or a production fix remains to be seen.
Sources
This story is based on reporting and official statements from:
Details were accurate when published on November 3, 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected].
