Apple’s $1,999 iPhone Duo Faces Early Reports of Cracked Folding Screens
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has only just started arriving in customers’ hands, but early durability concerns are already beginning to surface. Some iPhone Duo owners claim the inner folding display developed cracks within hours of use, raising questions about the long-term strength of Apple’s new hinge and flexible OLED screen design.
The iPhone Duo officially went on sale on October 23, marking Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market. With a premium starting price of $1,999, the device is one of the company’s most expensive iPhones yet, featuring a 7.6-inch folding OLED display on the inside and a 5.4-inch external screen for quick access when closed.
However, a handful of early buyers have shared photos online showing what appear to be cracks forming along the hinge area of the inner display. In some cases, the damage is accompanied by bright horizontal lines stretching across part of the screen, suggesting possible display failure near the fold.
One owner in Australia reportedly said the iPhone Duo’s inner screen cracked after around six hours of use. According to the account, the phone had been opened fewer than 20 times before the user noticed an unusual feeling near the hinge while unfolding it. A cracking sound allegedly followed, and visible damage appeared along the crease.
The owner claimed there had been no prior signs of damage to the screen or outer hinge. The device was reportedly replaced immediately at an Apple Store.
Other images shared by users appear to show similar issues around the folding mechanism, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Some photos are said to involve retail demonstration units, while others come from early owners. At this stage, there is not enough evidence to confirm whether these cases are connected or caused by the same issue.
The reports are notable because Apple has heavily promoted the iPhone Duo’s durability. The company describes the device as using a precision-engineered hinge and a multilayer inner display designed to withstand repeated folding. Foldable phones rely on complex moving parts and flexible screen materials, so durability is often one of the biggest concerns for buyers.
For now, the reported iPhone Duo screen cracks do not prove a widespread manufacturing defect. The number of affected devices remains unknown, and Apple has not publicly confirmed a broader problem with the foldable display or hinge.
Still, the early complaints may worry customers considering Apple’s first foldable iPhone, especially given its high price. First-generation foldable devices often face close scrutiny, and even isolated display failures can attract attention when they involve a flagship product.
As more iPhone Duo units reach customers, it should become clearer whether these cracked display reports are rare incidents or signs of a larger durability issue. Until then, early buyers may want to handle the foldable iPhone carefully and keep an eye on the hinge area and inner screen for any unusual sounds, pressure, lines, or cracking near the crease.
