Several days after the release of the first foldable iPhone, Apple admitted on Monday that some devices have display problems and announced its intention to replace them.
The iPhone Duo began shipping last week, and buyers worldwide queued up due to limited stock after initial online orders sold out in minutes. Analysts suggest that Apple may face supply constraints because the production of the book-passport-style folding iPhone Duo is complex.
Over the weekend, social media posts appeared showing the iPhone Duo with cracks and lines on the inner display along the central hinge, where the device folds.
On Monday, Apple confirmed these issues, noting that the affected devices typically exhibit this defect quickly. In an official statement from the company, it reads: 'We are aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo devices. If users experience display problems with their iPhone Duo, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.'
Apple did not provide comments regarding the potential cause of this problem.
iFixit, which publishes teardown reports of electronic devices along with repair guides, used disassembly videos, patents, and CT scans to create a 3D simulation of the iPhone Duo hinge, which it then compared with the reported damage sites. iFixit found that the recorded damage was concentrated directly under the area where the display cable passes beneath the screen, near the central support plate. The company hypothesized that this plate might not be properly exiting under the screen when the phone folds, 'creating a small stress point near the presumed fracture site.'
Apple did not immediately comment on iFixit's findings, which also concluded that the iPhone Duo is the most repairable foldable phone they have tested. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of research firm IDC, called Apple's quick replacement offer a 'correct first step' in responding to issues. Jeronimo noted: 'We all remember when Samsung faced issues with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, but that also showed that a fast and transparent response can limit damage to an entire category.'