Apple Acknowledges iPhone Duo Screen Cracking Issue, Offers Replacement to Affected Customers

Apple has acknowledged reports of screen cracking on its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, after several early buyers experienced problems with the device’s inner display. The company has advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for a replacement.

The issue emerged just days after the iPhone Duo started reaching customers. Users shared images and videos showing cracks, bright lines and display malfunctions around the central folding area of the device.

In a statement shared with technology publications, Apple confirmed that the problem affects a small number of iPhone Duo units. The company also said most devices are not susceptible to the issue.

Apple has not disclosed how many smartphones are affected or identified the exact cause of the screen damage. However, it has asked customers experiencing display problems to seek assistance through its official support channels.

iPhone Duo Screen Cracking: What Apple Has Confirmed

According to Apple’s statement, the company is aware of an issue affecting the inner display of a limited number of devices.

Apple said customers experiencing problems with their iPhone Duo screens should contact AppleCare for a replacement. The company also indicated that affected devices tend to develop the problem relatively early.

The announcement follows complaints from users who reported cracks appearing along the display’s central hinge. Some customers also described unusual resistance or a popping sensation when unfolding their phones.

Several reports showed bright lines extending from the centre of the screen towards the right side. Other affected devices reportedly developed white patches and visible display damage.

Will Apple Replace the iPhone Duo Screen for Free?

Apple has recommended replacements for affected iPhone Duo units, but it has not publicly announced a separate blanket free-replacement programme for every customer.

Under Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty, manufacturing defects may qualify for repair or replacement without additional charges, subject to inspection and warranty conditions.

However, accidental damage is generally excluded from the standard warranty. This means customers should not assume that every cracked display will automatically qualify for a free replacement.

Apple’s final decision will depend on its assessment of the device and the circumstances surrounding the damage. Customers should confirm their eligibility and any applicable charges directly with Apple Support.

Importantly, customers do not necessarily need an AppleCare+ subscription to request an assessment under the standard limited warranty.

What Could Be Causing the iPhone Duo Display Cracks?

Although Apple has not confirmed the underlying cause, repair specialists at iFixit have examined the device’s hinge mechanism to understand the reported failures.

Its teardown analysis suggested that a central support bar inside the hinge could be involved. If the component fails to move away from the display properly during folding, it could create additional pressure on a small section of the screen.

This pressure could potentially explain why several reported cracks appeared in a similar location near the folding mechanism.

However, this remains a technical theory rather than a confirmed explanation from Apple. The company has not officially identified a defective hinge component or announced a hardware fix.

Apple Issues Guidance to Stores and Service Centres

Apple has also provided internal guidance to its retail stores and authorised service providers regarding the display problem.

According to a report by MacRumors published on October 30, the company instructed technicians to inspect affected devices and repair or replace them according to standard service procedures.

The guidance indicates that Apple is addressing customer complaints through its existing service network. However, the company has not announced a general recall or a separate public repair programme for the iPhone Duo.

Customers experiencing screen problems should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider rather than attempting to repair the device themselves.

iPhone Duo Screen Replacement Cost in India

The cost of repairing the inner display could be a major concern for Indian buyers if their devices do not qualify for warranty coverage.

According to The Economic Times, Apple’s estimated out-of-warranty inner display repair cost in India is Rs. 1,49,900, although the final amount is subject to inspection.

This makes warranty eligibility particularly important for customers purchasing Apple’s first foldable smartphone. A manufacturing-related defect covered by the limited warranty may qualify for service without additional charges.

Customers with AppleCare+ may have different service options and applicable fees depending on their coverage. They should check the latest terms with Apple before proceeding with a repair or replacement.

Apple has not disclosed the total number of affected iPhone Duo units or confirmed whether the reported screen issue will require changes to future production.