Apple acknowledges inner-screen failures in new iPhone Duo, offers warranty replacements

Apple confirmed that a limited number of iPhone Duo foldable phones have experienced inner-screen damage, characterized by horizontal bright lines near the hinge. The company said customers who encounter the issue should contact AppleCare for a replacement under the warranty.

AppleCare will cover the repair, whereas out-of-warranty service is listed at $999 on the company’s website.

Device-repair firm iFixit, which examined the phone’s hinge design, suggested that a manufacturing variance or debris could compromise the fragile display. "Many of these damage reports describe folding or unfolding the phone, hearing a crunch, and pushing past it," iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari said in a teardown video.

Apple noted that early user feedback has been positive and that developers are updating apps to leverage the larger, foldable screen. "The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor," an Apple spokesperson said.