On October 26, local time, Apple announced through several overseas media outlets that it will offer device replacements via AppleCare regarding display crack issues occurring on the iPhone Duo.
The iPhone Duo, officially released on October 23 in major markets including South Korea, drew significant attention as Apple's first foldable smartphone. However, immediately following launch, reports from early buyers claiming their internal screens had cracked began surfacing across online communities. According to reports from users and media outlets, cracks developed primarily along the hinge line at the bottom of the inner display. Users reported feeling stiffness or catching while unfolding the device, or seeing the screen break immediately after hearing a cracking sound. Others commonly cited bright lines running across the right side or one half of the display originating from the fractured center hinge. Outlets such as MacRumors and iDrop News reported that many of these failures occurred within just a few hours of unboxing, without any drops or external impacts.
With reported damage heavily concentrated around similar display areas, questions have been raised regarding the device's internal hinge design. According to a teardown published over the weekend by global repair site iFixit, damage was mostly localized near the bottom of the hinge, where internal components and wiring are densely clustered. Specifically, iFixit noted that when folding and unfolding the device, the internal center support structure—which should retract inward—failed to contract properly, likely pushing against the foldable display from behind and causing it to break.
As the issue continued to gain traction, Apple spokesperson Alex Kirschner issued an official statement to multiple media outlets including The Verge, 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and AppleInsider. In the statement, Kirschner said, “The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor.” He added, “We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
In light of the response, most media outlets noted that the majority of iPhone Duo units remain unaffected, and that defective devices tend to display symptoms quickly. Accordingly, they advised affected users to visit an Apple Store or contact AppleCare immediately upon noticing any symptoms. Media analysts also noted that given the device's premium price point of $2,000 (starting at 3.29 million won in South Korea) and its symbolic role as Apple's first foldable iPhone, how Apple manages this issue alongside future quality control and supply stabilization will serve as key variables moving forward.
