The company says customers experiencing cracks or display lines should contact AppleCare for a replacement
By Midtown Times Staff
October 29, 2026
CUPERTINO, Calif. (Midtown Times) — Apple has acknowledged that a limited number of its newly released iPhone Duo devices are experiencing problems with their folding displays, only days after the company’s first foldable smartphone reached customers.
The iPhone Duo went on sale Oct. 23 with a starting price of $1,999. Shortly after the launch, owners began posting images and videos showing cracks, dead pixels and bright white lines spreading across the inner screen—often near the central hinge.
Several customers said their devices felt unusually tight or made popping and cracking sounds immediately before the displays failed. Some reported encountering the problem within hours of opening their phones.
Apple said it is aware of an issue affecting the inner displays of a “small number” of units and advised customers experiencing problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement. AppleCare+ coverage is not required for replacements related to the acknowledged defect.
The company said affected devices generally show signs of failure quickly and maintained that most iPhone Duo units are not vulnerable to the problem.
Cause remains under investigation
Apple has not explained what is causing the screen failures or announced a formal repair program.
Independent repair company iFixit examined the phone’s hinge using teardown footage, patents and CT scans. Its analysis suggested that a central support bar may occasionally fail to move far enough away from the screen when the device folds, creating concentrated pressure near the area where customers have reported cracks.
That explanation remains a theory, and Apple has not confirmed that the support bar is responsible.
The reported damage appears to cluster near the lower portion of the central crease, where several internal components—including a display cable—come together.
Some affected customers said Apple Stores replaced their devices immediately. Others could face delays because supplies of the new phone remain limited following strong initial demand.
What affected owners should do
Customers who notice unusual hinge resistance, popping noises, cracks, dead pixels or bright lines should stop repeatedly folding the device and contact AppleCare or visit an Apple Store.
Apple’s troubleshooting guidance also recommends removing third-party cases or screen protectors and checking the hinge for dust, debris or exterior damage. Customers should not attempt to force open a device that no longer unfolds normally.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch internal display, a 5.4-inch exterior screen and Apple’s new A20 Pro processor. Apple began accepting preorders Oct. 16 before releasing the phone in more than 70 countries one week later.
It remains unclear whether the display failures represent an isolated manufacturing defect or a broader hardware concern. Apple has not announced a recall and continues selling the device.
