Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, went on sale on Friday, with strong pre-order demand and long lines forming outside stores, resulting in extended wait times.
However, some lucky users who received this phone, starting at $1,999, during its first weekend have reported a significant issue: the inner screen may crack and display horizontal bright lines extending outward from the hinge.
Apple stated on Monday that it is aware of the issue, which affected a "small number" of devices, and will replace them under AppleCare coverage.
An Apple spokesperson told CNBC: “We are aware of an issue affecting a small number of iPhone Duo devices’ displays. If users experience display problems with their iPhone Duo, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
Apple's website shows that if the iPhone Duo is out of warranty, the repair cost for the inner screen is $999.
Most of these reports come from anonymous users on online forums such as Reddit and X, and fabricated images have also circulated online. However, after disassembling and testing the dust resistance of the new device on Sunday, the well-known device repair company iFixit suggested that the issue may be related to Apple’s hinge design.
iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari said in the teardown video: "Many damage reports describe hearing a click when folding or unfolding the phone, then continuing to force it further. The location of the damage and the shape of the hinge do vary slightly."
iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens posted on X: "The hinge is actually made up of dozens of components with incredibly precise tolerances. A manufacturing defect or even a speck of sand could destroy the delicate display panel it's meant to protect."
Screen cracking issues in foldable phones have persisted since 2019 and are considered one of the main barriers to the widespread adoption of this technology. That year, Samsung launched one of its early foldable devices, and reviewers quickly discovered that the inner screen could crack under normal use.
Early reviewers said the iPhone Duo offers a pleasant experience when unfolded, especially for multitasking or consuming media, but noted that many apps have not yet been updated to fully utilize the phone’s larger, wider screen.
Apple said on Monday that relevant apps are already being updated for the new foldable device.
An Apple spokesperson said in a statement: "Early users have provided very positive feedback on the iPhone Duo, and we're seeing developers quickly update their apps to leverage its unique form factor and deliver exciting experiences."