Apple says an inner-display issue affects a small number of iPhone Duo units and that it will replace them under AppleCare. Teardown firm iFixit theorizes the problem may trace to the hinge design.
Apple acknowledged on Monday that some customers of its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, have seen the inner screen break. The company said the problem affects only a small number of phones.
Apple points customers to AppleCare
The iPhone Duo hit store shelves on Friday after long wait times for pre-orders. Some buyers have since reported horizontal bright lines emanating from the phone's hinge.
According to an Apple representative, speaking to CNBC, users with display issues "should contact AppleCare for a replacement." The out-of-warranty inner-screen repair costs $999, according to Apple's website, while the phone itself starts at $1,999.
iFixit points to the hinge
Most reports come from anonymous customers on online forums, and fake images also circulate. However, iFixit weighed in on Sunday after tearing down the device, and theorized the issues may have to do with Apple's hinge design.
iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari said many damage reports describe folding or unfolding the phone, hearing a crunch and pushing past it. He added that the hinge is shaped a little differently right where the damage is happening.
Foldable screens have a history of breaking
Breaking screens have been an issue with foldable phones going back to 2019, and have been seen as one of the major roadblocks to the technology's widespread adoption. Reviewers also found that Samsung's early folding device cracked during normal use that year.
Early reviewers praised the iPhone Duo when unfolded, especially for multitasking and media, but noted that many apps had not been updated for its larger screens. Apple said on Monday that apps are already being updated.
Source: CNBC
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