iPhone Duo owners report hinge cracks as Apple confirms display defect

Apple acknowledged a display defect in a small number of its new foldable iPhone units.

The company confirmed the issue on Monday, following reports from owners who purchased the device when it went on general sale globally on Friday. The iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, is Apple's first foldable handset and its most high-profile launch under Chief Executive John Ternus, who assumed the role in September.

Apple stated that it is aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. The company advised users experiencing display problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement. In a statement, Apple said the response from early users had been incredibly positive and that demand for the device had been nothing short of extraordinary.

User reports on Reddit and other social media platforms describe cracks appearing near the hinge. One user in Australia reported that their device cracked within six hours of taking ownership. The user described feeling a sensation around the internal hinge while opening the phone, followed by an audible crack. A photo posted by the user showed a white strip of light running along one half of the screen. That user said a local Apple store replaced the phone immediately, though the outlet could not independently verify the claim.

Another user in Australia reported hearing an almost cracking noise that resulted in a similar screen malfunction. A report by Bloomberg also noted similar issues among users in the United States and India. Apple believes the affected units are showing defects quickly after use.

Analysts caution that it is too early to determine the scale of the problem. Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at IDC, said such issues are common when new products reach the market. He noted that Samsung experienced similar problems with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019 but contained the damage through a fast and transparent response. Jeronimo said Apple's offer of replacements is the right first step.

Ben Wood, chief analyst at the research firm CCS, expressed a cautious view, stating there is as yet no evidence of a more widespread issue with the device. The iPhone Duo has sold out, and the next round of shipments is not expected until January, according to a report in the Economic Daily, a publication based in Taiwan where Foxconn, Apple's main device manufacturer, is located.