Apple acknowledges iPhone Duo screen defects just days after launch

The iPhone Duo, the first iPhone that folds, went on sale on Friday, October 23. And in less than four days it already has its first controversy: screens that crack.

What's happening

The reports started on social media, just hours after the launch. Buyers describe cracks next to the fold, bright lines and defective pixels on the inner screen, the big one you see when you open the phone.

Bloomberg independently verified the defect with more than half a dozen customers.

What Apple says

Apple acknowledged the problem. According to Bloomberg, the company said it was "aware of an issue affecting the inner display of a small number of units", and stated that most iPhone Duos are not affected.

Apple is asking customers with the problem to contact AppleCare to request a replacement.

Apple: the issue affects "a small number of units". Those affected should ask AppleCare for a replacement.

And the cause?

Apple hasn't explained the cause. An analysis by iFixit, cited by the Mexican press, suggests that the hinge —the central part that lets the phone fold, with more than a hundred components— could be the main culprit. But it's a hypothesis: Apple hasn't confirmed it.

Disputed warranties

Not every case is handled the same way. MDZ reported the case of a buyer whose phone was said by technical support to have broken because of a drop, after just a few hours of use. It's an individual case, but it shows users' concern.

And there's a scary figure: according to Apple's page cited by Infobae, repairing the inner screen out of warranty costs 999 dollars.

A first-version classic

It's not the first time this has happened. Other brands' foldable phones also had screen problems in their first versions. And the iPhone Duo arrives when Samsung has been selling foldables since 2019.