Apple has offered replacements for iPhone Duo devices affected by an inner-screen issue, after users reported bright horizontal lines appearing near the hinge when folding or unfolding the phone.
The company said the problem affected a “small number” of units, an Apple representative told an international media outlet.
“We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units,” an Apple representative told an international media outlet. “If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
The foldable phone starts at $1,999, while Apple lists the cost of an inner-screen repair at $999 for devices outside the warranty period.
Reports of damaged screens have appeared on online forums, including Reddit and X. However, some images circulating online are fake, according to the source report.
Device repair firm iFixit also examined the phone after taking it apart and testing its resistance to dust. The company suggested that the hinge design could be linked to the reported damage.
iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari said that several reports described users hearing a crunch while folding or unfolding the phone before applying further pressure.
“Many of these damage reports describe folding or unfolding the phone, hearing a crunch, and pushing past it,” Mokhtari said in the company’s teardown video.
“Right where the damage is happening, the hinge is shaped a little differently.”
iFixit chief executive Kyle Wiens also raised concerns about the hinge’s construction in a post on X.
“The hinge is actually dozens of parts, with ludicrous precision,” Wiens wrote. “A manufacturing variance or grain of sand can kill the fragile display panel it protects.”
Screen durability has been a recurring concern for foldable phones since Samsung released one of its first such devices in 2019. Reviewers reported screen cracking and flickering on the Galaxy Fold that year.
Early reviews of the iPhone Duo praised its unfolded display for multitasking and media use, while noting that some apps had yet to be updated for its larger screen.
Apple said developers were already updating applications for the new device.
“The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor,” an Apple representative said.
