Apple has agreed to replace some of its new iPhone Duo foldable smartphones after early buyers reported cracked inner screens, bright display lines and unusual noises around the hinge, just days after the device went on sale.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, Apple said the problem affected “a small number” of units and advised customers experiencing display faults to contact AppleCare for replacements.
“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,” the company said in a statement reported by 9to5Mac on October 26.
The complaints emerged over the weekend, shortly after the iPhone Duo launched on October 23. Owners shared photographs and videos online showing cracks along the central crease of the inner display, with some screens developing bright lines across the damaged areas.
Other users reported that the hinge became unusually tight before the screen cracked, sometimes producing a crunching or popping sound when the phone was opened.
The reports have raised concerns about the durability of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which starts at $1,999. The device’s flexible inner display and folding mechanism are central to its design, making the reported failures an early test of the company’s ability to deliver a reliable foldable smartphone.
Apple has not disclosed the number of affected devices or identified the cause of the problem. It has also not announced a formal recall or a broader replacement programme, limiting its public guidance to customers experiencing display issues.
In a separate report published on October 26, MacRumors said some affected owners had obtained replacement devices through Apple Stores, although limited stock meant others might have to wait.
Repair specialist iFixit has offered a possible explanation for the failures, but Apple has not confirmed the findings.
In its teardown analysis published on October 25, iFixit used footage, patents and computed tomography scans to construct a three-dimensional model of the phone’s hinge and examine where mechanical stress could develop during folding.
The analysis found that reported screen damage appeared close to the transition between the gap accommodating a flexible display cable and the hinge’s central support structure.
According to iFixit, one possibility is that a central support bar fails to retract sufficiently when the phone closes, allowing the folding display to press against it. This could create a concentrated stress point and contribute to cracking.
However, the repair specialist did not establish a definitive cause. iFixit also identified other possible sources of stress around the hinge, including the curved rails that guide the display as the device opens and closes.
Apple has not said whether the reported failures stem from a design problem, manufacturing defects or another mechanical issue. There is also no confirmation that the company has modified the hinge design or production process in response.
The incident comes as Apple prepares to expand the iPhone Duo’s availability to additional markets, putting further attention on the durability of its first entry into the foldable smartphone segment.
For affected owners, Apple’s immediate advice is to contact AppleCare and request a replacement rather than assume that a standard screen repair is the only option. The company has not publicly clarified every condition governing eligibility for replacement.
Although Apple has described the problem as affecting only a small number of devices, the absence of confirmed figures leaves the scale of the issue uncertain.
The company’s response and any subsequent findings on the cause of the failures are likely to influence consumer confidence in the iPhone Duo as Apple expands its foldable phone offering.
