Apple’s recently launched foldable iPhone, known as the iPhone Duo, has encountered reports of screen damage from some early users, prompting the company to acknowledge issues affecting a small number of units. The device went on sale globally on Friday with a starting price of £1,999 (approximately $3,499 in Australia).
Users have reported that the screen develops cracks or lines along the hinge of the foldable display, sometimes accompanied by a popping or cracking sound when unfolding the phone. One Australian customer shared an account of their device breaking within six hours of ownership after fewer than 20 openings, describing an audible crack as the screen fractured along the hinge. Similar concerns have been raised by customers in the United States, China, India, and elsewhere, with images and videos circulating on social media illustrating vertical or horizontal lines appearing on the screen after folding.
Apple has confirmed awareness of the problem, stating that it affects “a small number” of iPhone Duo units. The company has advised customers experiencing issues with their device’s display to contact AppleCare for replacements. At one point, Apple briefly posted a support page addressing “hinge issues,” offering troubleshooting steps such as removing third-party cases or screen protectors and checking for debris or damage around the hinge, though that page is no longer publicly accessible.
Industry analysts have expressed differing views on the significance of the problem. Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at IDC, noted that it remains unclear whether the screen faults represent a widespread defect or isolated cases. He referenced similar challenges faced by Samsung when it first launched its foldable Galaxy Fold device in 2019, which also suffered from screen breakages and malfunctions. Jeronimo emphasized the importance of how Apple manages the situation, suggesting that offering timely replacements is a positive initial response.
Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, took a cautious stance, stating it is too early to determine if a broader fault exists given the limited reports so far. Despite the issues, Apple has reported strong demand for the iPhone Duo, which marks the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market nearly eight years after Samsung’s debut in this segment. The device has reportedly sold out, with the next batch of shipments not expected until January.
The iPhone Duo is seen as a significant product launch for Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, who assumed leadership earlier this year and is tasked with maintaining the company’s reputation for innovation. While the foldable iPhone has faced some criticism over its high price point—double that of the iPhone 18 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra—and the absence of certain camera features like zoom, Apple maintains that early user reactions have been “incredibly positive.”