Apple’s foldable iPhone faces screen-crack complaints:Hinge design under scrutiny; AppleCare promises replacements

Apple’s first foldable iPhone has hit a major roadblock just days after its launch. Several early buyers have reported problems with the phone’s inner display, with some claiming their screens cracked within hours of use. The issue has attracted attention on social media platforms, including Reddit and X. Apple has acknowledged the problem, saying that a small number of iPhone Duo units have been affected. The company has also asked customers experiencing display issues to contact AppleCare for a replacement. Priced at $1,999 (around ₹2,99,900 for the base 256GB model, before applicable taxes and import-related costs in India), the iPhone Duo is one of Apple’s most talked-about launches. However, the early complaints have raised questions about the durability of its foldable screen. iPhone Duo users report cracked screens within hours Some users have shared their experiences online, claiming that their phone’s inner display developed problems shortly after they started using it. One buyer in Australia took to Reddit to describe how their iPhone Duo’s screen reportedly cracked within six hours of purchase. The user said they were showing the device to a friend when they felt something near the internal hinge, beneath the display. As they continued opening the phone, they heard a cracking sound and noticed that the screen had broken along the hinge. The accompanying image appeared to show a bright white line running across part of the display. According to the user, an Apple Store replaced the device immediately. However, the claims have not been independently verified. Another Australian user also reported hearing an unusual cracking noise from their phone before experiencing a similar display problem. Reports of comparable issues have also surfaced in the US and India, according to a report by Bloomberg. However, the available reports do not establish how widespread the problem is. Apple acknowledges display issue, offers replacements Apple has confirmed that some iPhone Duo units are experiencing problems with their inner displays. In a statement, the company said: We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement. The company has not publicly identified the exact cause of the reported damage. Apple’s support website also lists the cost of an inner-screen repair at ₹149,900
The high repair cost could be a concern for buyers, particularly given the phone’s premium starting price. Customers should check the applicable warranty and service terms before seeking repairs. Could the hinge design be responsible? The exact reason behind the screen failures remains unclear. However, the phone’s hinge design has come under scrutiny. iFixit, a well-known device repair company, examined the new foldable phone and tested its resistance to dust. Following its teardown and testing, the company raised questions about whether the hinge design could be contributing to the reported problems. However, the available information does not establish that the hinge is responsible for the screen damage. Foldable phones have faced durability concerns since the technology first entered the mainstream market. In 2019, Samsung encountered similar problems with its original Galaxy Fold, as some reviewers reported screen damage during early use. These incidents highlight one of the biggest challenges facing foldable smartphones: making flexible displays durable enough to withstand repeated opening and closing. Experts say it is too early to judge the problem Technology analysts have urged caution while assessing the reports, noting that the number of confirmed cases remains limited. Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at research firm IDC, said it was too early to determine whether the issue represented a major problem. He pointed to Samsung’s experience with its first Galaxy Fold and stressed the importance of how a company responds when a new product encounters problems. Apple’s decision to offer replacements to affected customers is a positive first step, he indicated. iPhone Duo demand remains strong despite complaints Despite the early reports, Apple says the response to its first foldable phone has been positive. The company described demand for the iPhone Duo as extraordinary and said developers were already updating their apps to make better use of the device’s larger, wider display. Early reviewers have also praised the experience of using the phone when unfolded, particularly for multitasking and watching videos. However, some noted that several apps still needed updates to take full advantage of the foldable screen. The phone reportedly sold out following its launch, with the next shipments not expected until January, according to a report by Taiwan-based publication Economic Daily. The strong demand makes Apple’s handling of the display complaints particularly important. A quick response could help reassure customers, while further reports of screen damage could raise concerns about the long-term reliability of foldable iPhones. For now, it remains unclear whether the reported cracks are isolated cases or signs of a wider durability issue. How Apple investigates the problem and supports affected buyers will be crucial to building confidence in its first foldable phone.