iPhone Duo Owners Report Cracked Displays as Hinge Concerns Grow

The first generation of any new device can be rough around the edges.

Remember Samsung’s first foldable? Some reviewers damaged their screens after peeling off a protective layer that looked like a removable screen protector. Others reported display failures even without touching it.

Apple appears to be facing a similar challenge with the iPhone Duo.

Some owners are reporting display damage within hours of unboxing the device. One Reddit user said they’d had their phone for “about six hours and had probably opened it fewer than 20 times” before encountering a problem.

This is Apple’s first foldable, so some early teething problems wouldn’t be surprising. But for a device starting at $1,999, customers have every reason to expect better durability.

Image credit: Reddit / Midnight_Slump

What’s causing the iPhone Duo display damage?

The reported damage appears as a thin vertical line running down the centre of the inner display, accompanied by a thicker horizontal line across the right-hand side.

Reports first emerged from China, where the iPhone Duo launched earlier, before similar complaints appeared in Western markets.

An analysis by iFixit used a 3D model of the hinge to examine where the damage occurs. The reported breaks cluster near the transition between the gap for the crossing flex cable and the central hinge support. Several edges meet at this point, potentially affecting how the display is supported as it bends.

JerryRigEverything’s durability test also reportedly broke the Duo in a similar area, raising further questions about the hinge’s design and its ability to withstand repeated folding.

These findings don’t establish the precise cause of every reported failure. However, the similarities have put the hinge and the display’s structural support under scrutiny.

How widespread is the problem?

It’s still unclear how many iPhone Duo units are affected. Reports have come from individual owners and, according to some accounts, Apple Store demo devices.

Review units distributed to the press before launch reportedly didn’t show the same problem. That has prompted speculation that the issue could involve manufacturing inconsistencies affecting particular batches, although there’s not enough evidence to confirm that explanation.

There were also pre-launch reports that Apple had rejected around 40% of assembled Duo units because of manufacturing defects. If accurate, that would suggest production has been challenging. However, it’s not yet clear whether those reported defects are connected to the display failures now being discussed.

For now, the number of complaints alone isn’t enough to establish a failure rate. We would need reliable figures on affected units and total sales to determine how widespread the issue really is.

How does it compare with other foldables?

Apple isn’t entering an entirely new market. Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi have spent years refining foldable designs, giving them experience with the mechanical and display challenges that come with repeatedly folding a screen.

The iPhone Duo has reportedly struggled in some durability tests against competing devices, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Questions have also been raised about how its display crease compares with Samsung’s and whether it becomes more noticeable after repeated use.

However, individual durability tests don’t tell us how often a device will fail during everyday use. A meaningful comparison would require consistent testing methods and long-term data from actual owners.

Even so, the early reports are a concern for Apple. The company has entered a category where durability is one of the biggest questions buyers have, and its first device will be judged against competitors that have had several generations to improve their designs.

Has Apple acknowledged the issue?

Apple hasn’t announced a dedicated repair programme for the reported display failures. However, it has published a support page titled “iPhone Duo Troubleshooting Hinge Issues”.

The page covers problems such as a device that won’t open or close completely, unusual noises during operation, a loose or damaged hinge, and enclosure damage that affects the hinge.

Apple recommends checking for dust or other particles around the hinge, looking for dents or scratches on the enclosure, removing third-party cases or screen protectors where appropriate, and consulting the user guide for handling advice.

These instructions provide guidance for hinge-related problems, but they don’t establish that Apple has confirmed a widespread manufacturing defect or that the troubleshooting steps will resolve the reported display damage.

What should you do if your Duo is affected?

If your iPhone Duo develops a line across its inner display, or you notice other signs of damage, back up your data and contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for an assessment.