- Apple acknowledges cracks in the inner screen of some iPhone Duo units linked to the hinge.
- The company is offering replacement of affected devices through AppleCare at no additional cost.
- Experts suggest that the fault lies in a part of the folding mechanism that presses the panel.
The launch of Apple's first foldable device hasn't exactly been a walk in the park. Just hours after the iPhone Duo hit stores on Friday, October 23, alarm bells started ringing among early adopters, who noticed the inner screen inexplicably cracking near the hinge area.
What began as a few threads on Reddit and specialized forums ended up becoming a major headache for Cupertino. We're talking about a device that costs nearly €2.339 in its base versions, so any manufacturing defect feels like a significant blow to both the wallet and the reputation of a brand that always boasts impeccable build quality.
The problem: cracks, dead pixels, and strange noises
The symptoms are quite clear and are repeated in almost all accounts. Many owners describe feeling unusual resistance or a bulge when trying to open the phone, followed by a click or a sharp crack. Then, a crack appears along the central crease, often accompanied by bright lines or dead pixels that render part of the screen unusable.
It's not all about physical damage. Some users have reported that the external screen randomly stops responding. In this specific case, the solution seems simpler, as updating to iOS 27.2 has fixed the sensitivity issues on several devices.
What does Apple say and how do I manage the replacement?
After initial silence, the company has finally addressed the issue, admitting that a problem exists affecting a small number of units . The official guidance is that anyone who notices damage to the internal display should contact AppleCare to request a replacement device.
An important point is that you don't need AppleCare+ (the extended warranty) to make a claim, as it's considered a manufacturing defect. However, this is where things get complicated: some users have left the store with a new phone on the spot, while others face long waits due to lack of stock. Furthermore, it's been reported that store staff don't always have clear instructions on how to handle these issues.
iFixit's theory: an engineering flaw
While Apple engineers analyze the damaged units, the experts at iFixit have taken the initiative by disassembling the device. Their hypothesis is that the problem lies not in the glass, but in the hinge mechanism . They suspect that a central bar doesn't lower correctly when closing the phone, causing the screen to rest on a piece and eventually shatter under the pressure.
This analysis aligns with user accounts of the phone feeling stiff or harder than usual before the shiny lines appeared. On the other hand, it has been mentioned that the panel might depress slightly when pressed, although this could be normal due to the ultra-thin glass required for the device to fold.
Comparison and technical specifications
The iPhone Duo arrives with an ambitious technical proposition: a 7,6-inch Super Retina XDR main display and a 5,4-inch secondary display, all powered by the A20 Pro chip and a Grade 5 titanium chassis. Despite its power and the integration of Apple Intelligence , its price is considerably higher than that of its rivals, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, which is about 340 euros cheaper.
- Inside screen: 7,6 inches with a nanotextured finish.
- Exterior screen: 5,4 inches.
- Processor: A20 Pro chip.
- Connectivity: eSIM only (no physical slot).
- Resistance: IP68 certification.
If you notice your hinge making strange noises or feeling stiff, it's best not to force it open and contact technical support immediately. Replacement is available, although the wait time will depend on stock availability in your area, especially considering that some delivery times have been extended to 2027 due to high demand.
The iPhone Duo debuted to a mix of technological fascination and frustration over hardware flaws in the central crease, affecting a minority of users with cracks and pixel defects. Apple is already offering free replacements through AppleCare, while iFixit points to a design flaw in the titanium hinge that presses against the screen. Despite boasting powerful hardware like the A20 Pro chip and a premium price, initial durability has been the weak point of this launch.
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