Apple Acknowledges Display Problem on Some iPhone Duo Units After Cracked Screen Reports

Apple has confirmed it knows of a problem affecting the inner display of some iPhone Duo units, following reports from users of cracked and broken screens. In statements provided to Bloomberg and 9to5Mac, the company said the issue involves "a small number of iPhone Duo units."

Affected screens have often shown a bright line running from the center of the display toward the right side. Apple's guidance for anyone who sees such problems is to contact AppleCare for a replacement.

The company shared its full statement with The Verge through Alex Kirschner. In it, Apple said early users have responded to the iPhone Duo in an "incredibly positive" way, and that developers are quickly updating their apps to make use of its unusual form factor. The statement then acknowledged the display issue and repeated that users who run into trouble should reach out to AppleCare.

Kirschner added that most units are not susceptible to the problem, and that where a unit has the defect, the symptoms show up quickly.

Reports began appearing soon after the phone went on sale. Users described a similar pattern: the hinge would tighten, and opening the device then caused the screen to crack and the distinctive bright lines to appear. One user in Australia said an Apple Store replaced their phone "on the spot."

Over the weekend, the repair site iFixit published a teardown of the iPhone Duo and offered its view on why some devices may be cracking. In cases where damage has occurred, iFixit's images suggest the foldable screen may be pushing against a bar at the center of the device.

The Verge said it had contacted Apple about the reports but had not received an on-the-record response about the issues before Apple's statement was obtained. The iPhone Duo is among the first products to launch since John Ternus succeeded Tim Cook as Apple's CEO.

This article reflects updates made on October 26, which added Apple's statement and further context.