iPhone Duo Screens Crack Within Hours As Buyers Raise Hinge Defect Concerns

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is facing early durability concerns after several buyers reported cracked inner displays within hours of unboxing, raising questions about a possible hinge-related hardware defect.

The phone went on sale on October 23, and reports of damaged screens quickly surfaced on Reddit, the MacRumors forums and other social media platforms. Images shared by users show cracks running along the central hinge, accompanied in several cases by bright white lines or blocks of pixels that remain illuminated across part of the display.

One Australian buyer said the device broke after approximately six hours of use and fewer than 20 openings. According to the account, the owner felt something beneath the screen near the hinge while unfolding the phone to show a friend, followed by an audible crack. The user reported no visible marks on the display or external hinge indicating accidental damage.

Other buyers have described similar problems, including failures during initial setup. Reports and photographs have emerged from different markets, including Australia, China and the United States, although the available evidence does not establish how widespread the issue is.

The Australian customer reportedly received a replacement device at an Apple Store after the damaged phone was inspected. However, replacement experiences may vary. Some customers who purchased through mobile carriers have reportedly encountered difficulties, including disputes over whether accidental damage caused the breakage.

A leading theory circulating online suggests that a misaligned hinge component could be pressing against the inner display and causing it to crack. However, this explanation remains unverified, and Apple has not publicly confirmed the cause of the reported failures.

Separate durability tests have raised additional questions about the device. Technology reviewers have demonstrated that sand and dirt can interfere with the hinge mechanism under testing conditions. In a bend test, the inner display also developed visible damage. These tests do not establish that the same factors caused the reported customer complaints.

Despite the growing concern, early reports represent only a limited sample of devices. Some reviewers have also completed folding tests without experiencing similar failures.

Apple has not announced a confirmed manufacturing defect or a broader recall. Buyers experiencing damage should contact Apple or their retailer for an inspection and replacement options. Until further evidence emerges, it remains unclear whether the incidents involve a faulty batch, a design vulnerability or isolated cases.