Apple acknowledges screen cracks in limited iPhone Duo units

Apple said a "small number" of iPhone Duo foldable phones are experiencing an issue with the inner display and urged owners to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The problem was first reported by users on Reddit and other social media after the device launched globally on Friday. One Australian user described hearing a crack and seeing a white strip of light across the screen as the phone was opened, and said the local Apple store replaced the unit promptly. Similar reports have appeared from users in the United States and India, according to Bloomberg.

Apple noted that early customer feedback on the iPhone Duo has been "incredibly positive" and that demand for the handset has been "nothing short of extraordinary." The device, priced from $1,999, sold out quickly, with the next shipment not expected until January.

Industry analysts said it is too early to assess the scope of the issue. Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at IDC, said such problems are common with new products and emphasized the importance of a swift, transparent response. Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS, said he remains cautious and sees no evidence of a widespread defect at this stage.