iPhone Duo owners report screen cracks as Apple confirms display issue

Apple has confirmed a display issue affecting a “small number” of its new foldable iPhone Duo units after users reported screen cracks on Reddit and other social media platforms.

Reports emerged after the handset went on sale globally on Friday.

The device starts at $1,999 (Rs 1,89,968). Experts said there was not enough evidence to determine whether the issue pointed to a wider problem.

“We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement,” Apple said.

One Australian user claimed their device developed a crack within six hours of purchase. In a Reddit post, they said they felt something near the internal hinge while opening the phone.

“As I continued opening it, I heard an audible crack, and the screen broke right along the hinge.”

The user said an Apple store replaced the device immediately. Another Australian user reported a similar display malfunction after hearing “almost a cracking noise”.

Bloomberg also reported similar issues among users in the US and India.

Apple said the response from early users had been “incredibly positive” and described demand for the device as “nothing short of extraordinary”. The launch is the company's first major product release under new chief executive John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September.

The iPhone Duo has sold out, with the next shipments reportedly not expected until January, according to Taiwan's Economic Daily.

Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at IDC, said it was too early to assess the scale of the problem.

“This is quite common when a new product comes to market,” he said, citing Samsung's initial Galaxy Fold launch issues in 2019. He added that a fast and transparent response could limit the damage.

Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS, said there was no evidence yet of a widespread issue with the device.