Apple has confirmed it will replace handsets for customers experiencing iPhone Duo screen cracks on its newly released foldable smartphone.
The announcement follows widespread customer reports of display lines and fractures along the inner folding crease. The $1,999 device officially went on sale last Friday to long queues and sold-out online stock. Within days, early buyers shared images of damaged screens that stopped responding normally.
Apple acknowledged the situation and urged affected customers to contact customer support immediately for a replacement device under warranty.
The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market. It features a 7.6-inch flexible inner display that opens like a passport.
Over the weekend, buyers on social media began posting photos of hairline fractures along the middle crease. Several users also reported hearing crunching sounds when opening the hinge, followed by bright horizontal lines across the panel.
In an official statement, Apple addressed the reports directly
"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."
Company representatives noted that when the defect exists, it usually appears very quickly after initial unboxing. Apple emphasised that the majority of phones in the production run remain unaffected.
Independent repair analysts have already begun examining the phone to understand why the inner display is failing for some owners.
Electronics repair firm iFixit published a teardown and structural simulation of the device’s hinge mechanism. According to their initial findings, the reported cracks cluster directly beneath an internal display cable located near a central support bar.
Analysts suggest that this support bar may fail to retract smoothly when the phone closes. That friction could create a concentrated pressure point against the fragile folding glass.
Industry analysts noted that even leading technology manufacturers face steep engineering hurdles with flexible displays. Foldable panels require microscopic tolerances to bend repeatedly without stressing delicate display layers.
Apple has instructed all affected users not to attempt self-repairs. Because out-of-warranty screen replacements for the Duo cost $999, owners should rely strictly on official warranty channels.
Customers who notice lines, display flicker, or cracks along the center seam should book an appointment at an Apple Store or contact AppleCare online. Several retail stores have already processed same-day handset swaps for affected buyers.
Apple has not yet issued a global recall. The company continues to monitor service logs as international shipments reach more customers this week.
