Apple has confirmed a problem with the inner folding screen of the iPhone Duo — the company's first foldable smartphone. A few days after the global launch on 23 October 2026, owners began reporting cracks along the central hinge on the inner 7,6-inch display.
In an official statement provided to Bloomberg, 9to5Mac and other publications, the company noted: "We are aware of an issue affecting the inner display of a small number of iPhone Duo devices. If users encounter problems, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement." The problem manifests quickly — usually within the first hours or days of use — and affects only a small fraction of devices. Most owners do not encounter the defect.
Users describe the characteristic symptoms: resistance when unfolding, a click or pop, after which a bright white band or line of defective pixels appears along the fold. The outer 5,4-inch screen remains functional. Some owners in Australia and the United States received replacements at Apple stores "on the spot."
After disassembling the device, iFixit analysts pointed to a possible cause: the central support bar in the hinge mechanism does not fully retract when folded, creating a stress point on the screen. The company has not officially confirmed this hypothesis but promised an investigation. Replacement is provided even without AppleCare+, and the cost of a new inner screen without warranty is about 999 dollars.
The foldable iPhone Duo starts at 1999 dollars for the 256 GB version. It is equipped with the A20 Pro chip, a titanium body and a nano-texture coating on the inner screen. The hinge problem is typical of foldable smartphones, but its early appearance in Apple's device has attracted particular attention. Buyers who notice the defect are advised to contact AppleCare immediately rather than their mobile carriers.
