Apple Responds to iPhone Duo Inner Screen Cracking Reports

Apple has responded to complaints that the inner screen of the iPhone Duo is cracking, a problem reported by some users soon after the device launched. The affected owners say hinge-related issues led to cracks in the inner display. In its statement, the company said the problem affects only a small number of devices.

According to Apple, early user reaction to the iPhone Duo has been overwhelmingly positive, and developers are quickly updating their apps to take advantage of the device's distinctive form factor. The company also acknowledged that it is aware of an issue affecting the inner display. The statement, however, gave no detail on the cause or on a possible fix.

Apple's statement and advice to users

Apple told users who experience problems with the iPhone Duo's display to contact AppleCare and request a replacement. The company did not explain why the cracking occurs or say whether a fix is planned, so the guidance amounts to seeking a swap through AppleCare.

Affected users are reportedly able to get replacements in stores, but limited stock means some have had to wait. Even when a replacement is possible, the lack of immediate availability leaves some owners without a working device for a time.

Apple maintains that the scope of the problem is limited. Most users will not encounter a display issue, it says, and the matter is not a defect that develops over time and should not be a cause for concern. In affected devices, the crack appears shortly after purchase.

Cracks cluster along the hinge line

Based on available information, in many of the affected iPhone Duo units the crack forms in the lower half of the inner display, along the hinge and at the same spot. That the damage shows up in the same area on many devices points to a link with the hinge region.

Users describe a sticking sensation in the hinge and occasionally a clicking sound shortly before the damage appears. These accounts come from users and have not been confirmed by Apple.

Some images said to show cracked screens are also reportedly AI-generated. That makes it harder to gauge the true scale of the problem and is a reminder that not every image circulating online should be treated as reliable.

iFixit teardown points to possible causes

In its teardown of the iPhone Duo, iFixit identified several possible causes for the hinge failure. According to the site, multiple components converge at the point where the cracks form. It appears possible that a central support bar in the hinge, which is supposed to retract, fails to do so and ends up damaging the display.

Because Apple has not officially explained the source of the problem, these assessments remain possible scenarios for now. It is unclear whether the company will share further information about the cause or a potential fix.