Apple has confirmed that a small portion of its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is experiencing internal screen defects, and the company will replace affected devices. Users encountering the issue have been urged to contact Apple directly to arrange a swap.
Videos and photos circulating on social media show lines and cracks appearing on the Duo's 7.6-inch (19.3 cm) inner display, particularly along the central fold. Some users also reported hearing a crackling sound when opening the device. One user, Justin Lokos, shared images of the defect before later posting a photo alongside a brand-new replacement unit he received from an Apple Store in New York.
Apple declined to specify how many units are affected. Additionally, some of the images showing damaged screens have been questioned as potentially generated by artificial intelligence. The Duo's display is held together by a central hinge mechanism—a complex engineering feat that has also caused similar issues in foldable devices made by Apple's competitors.
The foldable phone segment has seen such teething problems before. Samsung's first foldable, the Galaxy Fold, was pulled back in 2019 after reviewers reported broken screens shortly after receiving review units. Apple spent years refining its foldable technology before bringing the Duo to market, making this early setback a notable challenge for the company.
Introduced by new CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September, the Duo represents Apple's most significant iPhone redesign in nearly two decades. It resembles a wider iPhone when closed and transforms into a compact tablet when unfolded. With its top-tier configuration priced at £3,199, the Duo is the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.
