iPhone Duo Launch Marred by Reports of Cracking Screens and Display Defects
Apple's new foldable iPhone is experiencing durability issues within days of release, undermining the company's claims to have solved the foldable phone problem.
What happened
Apple's iPhone Duo foldable phone, announced at this year's Surprise and Shine event, has seen early users report screens cracking after only hours or days of use. Some users heard loud crunching sounds before cracks appeared; others experienced display malfunctions. Early adopters have also reported prominent creases down the middle of the $2,000 folding screen. Apple confirmed to Bloomberg that it was aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units.
Context
Apple marketed the iPhone Duo as a solution to the durability challenges that have plagued foldable phones from other manufacturers. The widespread nature of these early complaints—reported by multiple outlets including Bloomberg and 404 Media—suggests the company may not have resolved the fundamental engineering problems that have long affected this form factor. The device's premium $2,000 price point makes durability issues particularly consequential for consumers and for Apple's credibility in the foldable market.
What's disputed
The scope of the issue remains unclear; Apple states it is impacting only a small number of units, while the volume and consistency of user reports suggest either a broader problem or a representative sampling of early-unit defects.