iPhone Duo screens crack hours after sale begins

Apple confirmed on October 28 that a small number of early iPhone Duo units are experiencing inner display failures. The company advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacements. The issue emerged days after the foldable smartphone went on sale on October 23. Reports indicate the cracks form along the central hinge line of the device.

The iPhone Duo marks the first major hardware release under new CEO John Ternus. The device carries a high price point, with the base model costing nearly $2,000 and higher configurations exceeding $3,000. Early adopters in Texas and other regions have posted images and videos documenting the damage. The fractures appear shortly after purchase, sometimes within 24 hours.

Jesse Dalton bought the 512-gigabyte model in Frisco, Texas, on launch day. He paid approximately $800 after an AT&T trade-in, making the effective cost around $2,200. Dalton said the phone became difficult to open after he attached a protective case. He pushed against the resistance and heard a loud pop as the screen fractured. He completed the swap at a local Apple Store in about 30 minutes.

Roneshia Smith received the device as a graduation gift. She reported the screen cracked the morning after purchase. She described hearing a sound similar to an egg breaking when she forced the phone open. Apple Store staff told her the unit could not be repaired and required a full replacement. She is currently waiting for a new device due to stock availability.

Lance Ulanoff, editor at large for TechRadar, noted that the folding screen assembly includes an OLED panel, glass, plastic covering, and a mechanical hinge. He identified the ultra-thin glass as the most fragile component. Ulanoff said he has used the device for a week and a half without issue. He recommended that owners with damaged phones make appointments at Apple Stores rather than walking in without one.

Apple’s statement acknowledged the problem while noting that response to the phone has been positive. The company is preparing for a product event in Los Angeles where a new touchscreen laptop is expected to be unveiled. Most early users report a positive experience, but the visible nature of the cracks has drawn attention to the new form factor.

Developers are updating apps to utilize the device's unique design. The majority of early buyers have not reported issues. Apple’s decision to offer replacements rather than repairs aims to maintain customer satisfaction during the launch phase.