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Three days after its launch, Apple has addressed the cracks in the iPhone Duo's internal display. The company acknowledges the problem but states that only a small number of devices are affected. Affected users should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Since the foldable iPhone went on sale on October 23, reports of cracks in the inner display have surfaced. Users have shared photos on Reddit and forums of devices whose displays were broken along the hinge. Apple issued a statement to MacRumors on October 26. All specifications and pricing for the device can be found in the iPhone Duo overview.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple confirms a problem with the inner display in a small number of iPhone Duo devices.
- Affected users should contact AppleCare, i.e., Apple Support, for a replacement.
- Apple has not commented on the cause or a possible fix.
- According to reports, the damage appears shortly after purchase, mostly in the lower half along the hinge.
- The internal display normally costs €1,149 without AppleCare+; in case of defects, the statutory warranty also applies.
What Apple Says
The statement is brief. Apple writes that they are aware of a problem affecting the internal display in a small number of devices:
We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units.
Apple has outlined a solution for affected users: Anyone experiencing problems with their iPhone Duo's display should contact AppleCare for a replacement. The company also emphasizes that initial user feedback has been very positive and that developers are adapting their apps to the format.
Apple has not given a cause, nor has it mentioned any changes to software or manufacturing.
Where the cracks appear
The reported cases are similar. The inner display breaks along the hinge's center line, usually in the lower half. Often, a line of bright pixels then appears across one half of the display. Some users describe the device feeling stiff when opening shortly beforehand, sometimes accompanied by a cracking sound.
According to MacRumors, the damage appears shortly after purchase, not over time. One owner from Australia reported that his device broke after being opened less than 20 times. It's difficult to determine the actual number of affected devices from the reports: MacRumors believes some of the circulating photos are AI-generated.
What those affected in Germany can do
In Apple's terminology, AppleCare refers to the support itself, not just the paid AppleCare+. Therefore, the process involves contacting Apple Support or scheduling an appointment at an Apple Store. In the US, affected customers have already received replacement devices in stores, but due to limited stock, some may have to wait.
Apple's own pricing illustrates how expensive a display replacement would be without insurance: €1,149 for the internal display, or €99 with AppleCare+. In its statement, however, Apple does not mention any costs for the replacement itself and does not attach any conditions to it.
In addition, there is the statutory two-year warranty against the seller. If a defect appears within the first year after purchase, it has been presumed since 2022 that it already existed at the time of delivery. Therefore, anyone who bought the Duo from a retailer instead of Apple can also contact them. How to assess a stiff hinge without it being broken is explained in the guide on iPhone Duo hinge problems.
Why the short answer still counts
I believe the swift response is the most important aspect of the announcement. Acknowledging a problem and promising a replacement just three days after the sales launch removes the uncertainty for buyers as to whether Apple will classify the breakage as damage from a fall. The fact that the cause remains undisclosed weakens this concern: without it, it's impossible to say whether a replacement device carries the same risk.
If your Duo makes a cracking or popping noise when you open it, I wouldn't wait until the screen breaks. I'd take the device to support immediately. A documented noise is a better starting point in discussions about a replacement than a broken screen whose cause then needs to be determined.
Would you still buy an iPhone Duo after these reports – or are you waiting until Apple explains the cause? Let us know in the comments at what point you would make a purchase.
