ⓘMacRumors
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has started to reach customers, but reports of damaged internal displays are already emerging. Several photographs shared online appear to show cracks along the hinge of the iPhone Duo, sometimes accompanied by bright lines on the screen. One owner says the $1,999 smartphone broke after less than 20 openings.
The news emerged on October 23, the day Apple’s first foldable iPhone officially went on sale.
iPhone Duo owner reports screen cracking after less than 20 folds
According to MacRumors, an iPhone Duo owner in Australia reported that the device’s internal display broke after about six hours of use.
The owner said he opened the phone less than 20 times before noticing an unusual sensation around the hinge while opening it. An audible popping noise reportedly followed, with damage appearing along the crease.
The owner said there had previously been no visible damage to the display or external hinge. According to their account, an Apple Store immediately replaced the device.
Other photographs shared on Reddit and the MacRumors forums show obvious display failures concentrated around the latch mechanism. Some images have bright horizontal lines that extend across part of the internal screen.
However, the circumstances surrounding many of these photographs, including images purportedly taken of demonstration units in China, remain unclear.
The Verge also reported on the emerging complaints on October 23.
Apple’s first foldable faces early durability issues
ⓘ Apple
The reports are especially noteworthy because Apple highlighted the durability of the iPhone Duo’s folding mechanism.
In the official product information, Apple describes a precision-engineered hinge and a multi-layered internal display designed to be bent repeatedly.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch foldable OLED display and a 5.4-inch external screen. Starting at $1,999 in the US, it’s Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market.
The initial complaints raise questions about the durability of individual devices, although they do not constitute a widespread manufacturing defect.
The number of affected devices is not known, and there is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether the incidents share a common cause related to manufacturing or design.
For now, the reports highlight a potential concern for early buyers of Apple’s most expensive iPhone, particularly as the company begins shipping its first generation of foldable smartphones to customers.
Louise is a passionate linguist and interpreter with a background in translation for the UN and EU institutions. With a deep love of languages and storytelling, he combines precision and creativity, translating complex texts or bringing characters to life on stage and screen. When she’s not immersed in words or music, you’ll find her honing her accents, working on new songs, or exploring the magic of cinema.
