Apple has acknowledged reports of screen damage on its new foldable iPhone Duo, which launched last Friday. Users on social media have reported consistent horizontal cracks appearing about two-thirds of the way down the inner screen when the device is unfolded. The company stated that a small number of devices are affected and advised customers to contact AppleCare for replacements.
The iPhone Duo, priced at over $2,000, represents the most significant design change in the iPhone's 20-year history. This launch marks Apple's entry into the foldable market, seven years after Samsung introduced its first Galaxy Fold. The product release has already faced shipping delays due to high demand, with delivery times pushed into next year.
This situation marks an early challenge for new CEO John Ternus, who took over the role last month. Analysts suggest the screen issues may stem from hinge tolerance sensitivities or support problems during the folding process. A former Apple engineer noted that such low-frequency defects are difficult to detect during testing and could be linked to a specific batch of faulty components.
Apple has not announced a recall, as the company typically prefers to resolve hardware issues through repair or replacement programs. The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2010 iPhone 4 antenna issues. Meanwhile, Samsung has utilized the situation to market its own foldable devices, claiming a multi-year lead in the sector.
In addition to the foldable device issues, Apple recently addressed a separate problem affecting iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network. Some customers experienced permanent cellular disconnection, which the company resolved by releasing a software patch to prevent further occurrences.
