Apple has acknowledged screen issues affecting a small number of its new iPhone Duo foldable smartphones and is offering replacements to affected customers. The reports have raised concerns about the durability of Apple’s foldable display shortly after launch.
According to reports published on October 26, 2026, some owners have experienced display abnormalities, including cracks and bright lines near the central hinge. Apple has advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for assistance.
Apple acknowledges iPhone Duo screen issues
The company confirmed that a small number of iPhone Duo devices have experienced problems with their inner displays. However, Apple has not disclosed the total number of affected units or confirmed the underlying cause.
Customer reports have drawn attention to the central folding area, where the flexible display bends during normal use. Images shared online reportedly show visible damage around the hinge.
These complaints have attracted attention because foldable smartphones rely on complex hinge mechanisms and flexible screens that must withstand repeated opening and closing.
Possible cause of the display damage
Some reports suggest the damage could be related to components inside the folding mechanism. Repair specialist iFixit has examined the reported issue using teardown footage, patent documents and CT scans to develop a simulation of the hinge design.
Its analysis raised the possibility that a central support component could be placing pressure on the inner display during folding. If that component does not move sufficiently clear of the screen, it could create a pressure point near the affected area.
This explanation remains unconfirmed, however. Apple has not publicly identified a specific component as the cause of the reported damage.
Apple offers replacements to affected customers
Affected owners have been advised to contact AppleCare if their iPhone Duo displays develop problems. Replacement eligibility and the process for obtaining a replacement may depend on the individual case.
Customers should document the damage and retain their proof of purchase before contacting support. They should also avoid attempting to repair or disassemble the hinge themselves.
So far, Apple has not announced a general recall of the device. Its response focuses on assisting customers whose phones have developed the reported display problems.
What this means for Apple’s foldable phone
The reports represent an early challenge for Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. Display durability remains an important consideration for buyers evaluating premium foldable devices.
Manufacturers must balance a thin, flexible screen with a hinge that protects the display during everyday use. Even a limited number of reported failures can attract scrutiny when a new device enters a competitive market.
At present, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether these complaints indicate a wider manufacturing problem or isolated defects affecting individual units. More information about the number of affected devices and the underlying cause would help clarify the scale of the issue.
What happens next?
Apple’s handling of replacement requests will be important for affected customers. Further technical information from the company could also establish whether the problem requires changes to the device’s design or manufacturing process.
For now, customers experiencing display abnormalities should contact AppleCare and follow the company’s guidance. TheNewsBit will continue tracking developments involving iPhone Duo screen reliability and Apple’s response.
