iPhone Duo users report hinge-related screen cracks
Several owners of the newly released iPhone Duo have experienced central hinge cracks and white pixel lines on the inner display, with many receiving replacements through Apple stores.
A number of iPhone Duo owners have reported that the inner display cracks along the hinge, creating a horizontal band of white pixels. The issue appears consistent across the reported cases, with the crack forming down the center line of the hinge.
Reports on the iPhone Duo subreddit show roughly ten distinct incidents so far, with some users saying the damage occurred during the initial setup. Apple stores have generally provided direct device replacements for affected customers, though those who purchased the phone through carriers have faced longer wait times and, in at least one instance, were told the damage might be user-caused and required payment for repair.
"They told me I must have dropped the phone, so I have to pay for the repair," one carrier customer said.
A tentative explanation points to a possible defect in the hinge mechanism, where a misaligned component may press against the inner screen and cause it to fracture. Some social-media users have suggested avoiding pressure on the center of the inner display when folding, but Apple has not issued official guidance on handling the device.
Apple has not commented on the reports. The company has shipped a large volume of iPhone Duo units, and the number of reported failures represents a small fraction of total sales.