Apple has officially acknowledged a defect affecting the inner display of a small number of iPhone Duo units, following widespread reports of cracked screens along the hinge. In a statement to 9to5Mac and Bloomberg, the company said it is aware of the issue and advised affected users to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The problem appears shortly after purchase, with most affected units failing within hours or days of use.
iPhone Duo hinge defect: what's causing the cracks
Reports first surfaced over the weekend on Reddit and other forums, with users sharing images of bright lines and dead pixels originating near the midpoint of the inner display. The damage often runs from the center to the right edge, and some units show lines of dead pixels following the crease. According to Ars Technica, the issue appears to be caused by a mechanical misalignment in the hinge, where a support bar may be getting stuck and putting excessive pressure on the OLED panel.
iFixit's teardown and CT scans suggest the point of failure is below where the ribbon cable passes through the hinge, where the supporting mechanism narrows. The resulting stress damages the display matrix, and the only fix is to replace the OLED. YouTuber CuriousHagi also identified a thin link in that area that may be snapping during operation. While a number of user reports are legitimate, 9to5Mac notes that some AI-generated fake reports have also circulated.
Apple's response and replacement process
The iPhone Duo launched last week at $2,000, making it Apple's first foldable phone and one of the first devices released under new CEO John Ternus. Early reviews praised its unique form factor, but the rapid onset of display failures has marred the launch. Apple says the problem affects a very small number of units and that most iPhone Duos are not affected. The company also confirmed that AppleCare+ is not required for a replacement, and users who bought from a carrier should contact AppleCare directly rather than their carrier.
