Apple Replaces iPhone Duo After Foldable Screen Failures
Apple is replacing a small number of iPhone Duo units after early adopters reported inner-display cracks and hinge failures shortly after the device's October 23 launch.
Following the October 23 launch of the iPhone Duo, Apple Inc. has acknowledged a defect causing the inner displays of a small number of units to crack along the hinge. Users in the United States, Australia, and India reported hearing crunching sounds or feeling unusual stiffness during unfolding, resulting in vertical cracks and bright lines of dead pixels. Some failures occurred within six hours of use.
Apple is offering free replacements through AppleCare for affected customers, though the company clarified it is not recalling the product. While Apple has not officially confirmed a root cause, the repair platform iFixit conducted teardowns and 3D simulations suggesting that a central support bar or hinge component may be failing to retract, creating a stress hotspot on the display. Additionally, unverified reports from employees at Hon Hai Precision Industry in China allege that Apple lowered quality inspection standards to meet high production demand.
The launch serves as a critical early test for CEO John Ternus, who took over in September 2026. Despite the durability issues and reports of unoptimized third-party apps, the $1,999 device sold out quickly at many retailers. Component supplier FineMTEC has denied that its hinge parts caused the defects and is considering legal action against the spread of false information. Samsung Mobile US has used the situation to highlight its own foldable line on social media.
