Apple says it will replace iPhone Duo units affected by the screen-breaking issue

Apple has acknowledged the display issue on its first folding phone and is offering a replacement to affected users.

In Short

• Apple confirms that the inner screen on a small batch of new iPhone Duo units is cracking near the hinge.
• Repair experts say a central support bar inside the hinge is likely putting extra pressure on the display.
• Affected buyers can contact AppleCare directly to get a complete device replacement from the company.

Apple started shipping its highly anticipated first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, just last week. The phone, which opens up like a passport booklet, saw massive demand. Online orders sold out in minutes, and buyers around the world lined up outside stores to get their hands on the limited stock.

However, just days after the grand launch, some early buyers are facing a major headache: broken inner screens. Fortunately, Apple has quickly acknowledged the problem and announced that it will replace the affected units.

If you bought the new iPhone Duo and its inner display is showing cracks or other problems, here is everything you need to know.

What is the iPhone Duo screen issue?

Over the weekend, several pictures and complaints surfaced on social media showing the inner display of the new iPhone Duo breaking. The cracks and lines are mostly appearing right along the central hinge where the phone folds. For most of these users, the screen damage happened very quickly after opening and using the device for the first time.

On Monday, Apple officially confirmed the problem. In a statement, the company said, "We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units."

Because the phone is so complex to manufacture, analysts were already predicting supply shortages. Now, this screen issue has added to the challenge. However, Apple assured buyers that the defect only affects a very small batch of the phones.

Why is the screen breaking?

Apple has not officially explained what is causing the display to crack, but repair experts at iFixit have shared some strong clues.

By looking at teardown footage, patents, and CT scans, iFixit built a 3D simulation of the iPhone Duo’s hinge. They found that the damage is clustering right below a display cable, near a central support bar inside the hinge.

When you fold the phone, this support bar is supposed to drop out of the way. If it fails to do so, it puts extra pressure on the screen. This creates a "stress hotspot" that eventually cracks the display from the inside. Interestingly, despite this issue, iFixit still rated the iPhone Duo as the most repairable foldable phone they have ever tested.

How to get a free replacement

If your iPhone Duo is facing this screen problem, Apple is offering a complete replacement. In its statement, Apple advised: "If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement."

You do not need to have an active AppleCare+ subscription to qualify for a replacement for this specific manufacturing defect. Even if you bought the folding phone through a mobile carrier, you should skip the carrier and reach out straight to AppleCare for a fast fix.

Industry experts are praising Apple's quick action. Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at market research firm IDC, called the fast replacement offer the "right first step." He noted that a quick and transparent response helps control the damage to the brand, similar to how Samsung had to handle the original Galaxy Fold screen issues back in 2019.

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