Apple investigates screen cracks on early iPhone Duo units

Apple said it is aware of a problem with the inner display on a limited number of iPhone Duo devices that can cause a crack along the centre crease shortly after purchase. The company advised customers who experience the issue to contact AppleCare for a replacement.

Customers who reported the defect described a crunching sound when unfolding the phone, followed by a visible crack and, in some cases, a white patch or malfunction on the right side of the screen. Several users, including Tom Battle in San Diego and venture capitalist Jonathan King, said the phone felt harder to open and the screen became unusable.

"If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement," Apple said in a statement.

Bloomberg News verified the complaints with photos and support-conversation evidence from more than half a dozen owners. One user, posting as Centrino31A, said the local Apple store in Richmond, Virginia, classified the problem as a defect but could not provide an immediate replacement due to lack of inventory.

Repair platform iFixit suggested the cause may be a failing hinge component that cracks the screen rather than a flaw in the display panel itself. Apple indicated that a team is investigating the issue and that most iPhone Duo units are not affected.

The iPhone Duo, launched on October 23 as Apple’s first foldable phone, is priced at US$1,999. While the device’s outer screen has been reported to work normally, several owners have experienced the inner screen cracking after a few folds, prompting Apple to ship replacements to affected customers.