Reports of cracked screens on Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, appear to reflect genuine customer experiences, raising questions about the device’s durability and manufacturing quality.
Apple has described the problem as affecting a “small number” of units but has not disclosed how many devices have experienced display damage, leaving the overall scale of the issue uncertain.
In the November 1 edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman said he had independently verified reports of damaged iPhone Duo displays. According to Gurman, some devices developed cracks during normal use rather than after deliberate attempts to damage them.
Reports Point to Possible Hinge Defect
Several users have reportedly experienced unusual resistance when unfolding their iPhone Duo devices. Some then heard a crunching sound before noticing cracks on the inner display.
Images shared online reportedly show cracks running along the centre and right side of the foldable screen. Some damaged displays also appear to have a bright line extending from the crease.
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Gurman suggested that a faulty hinge component in a particular production batch could be responsible for the damage.
Under this theory, a malfunctioning hinge may prevent the device from unfolding correctly, placing excessive pressure on the inner display and potentially puncturing it from underneath.
However, Apple has not confirmed the suspected manufacturing defect, and the exact cause of the reported damage remains unclear.
Apple Yet to Reveal Number of Affected Devices
Apple has acknowledged reports of cracked displays but has not released a precise figure for affected units or publicly explained what caused the damage.
Gurman’s suggestion that the number could reach thousands contrasts with Apple’s description of the problem as affecting a “small number” of devices.
The reports have also raised questions about the durability of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, particularly when compared with competing Android foldable devices.
For now, customers are waiting for further information from Apple as uncertainty continues over the scale and cause of the reported screen failures.
