Apple Inc. (AAPL) has addressed early durability concerns surrounding its first foldable iPhone after customers reported cracks and visible lines on the inner display days after launch.
Apple Offers Replacements for Affected iPhone Duo Units
Over the weekend, social media posts showed cracks and lines appearing on the inner screen near the central hinge, where the device folds.
“We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units,” Apple said Monday, Reuters reported. “If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”
The company did not disclose what might be causing the damage.
Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
iFixit Flags Possible Hinge-Related Design Issue
Repair firm iFixit examined the reported damage using teardown footage, patents and CT scans to build a 3D simulation of the iPhone Duo’s hinge mechanism.
Its analysis found that the reported damage locations appeared to cluster beneath the screen near a central support bar and a display cable.
The support bar could be failing to move out of the display’s path when the phone folds, potentially creating a concentrated pressure point that damages the screen, iFixit said.
However, the findings remain a possible explanation, not a confirmed cause of the reported failures.
Apple’s Response Could Help Limit Damage
Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at market research firm IDC, told the publication that Apple’s decision to offer replacements was an appropriate initial response.
Samsung Electronics’s (OTC:SSNFL) 2019 Galaxy Fold issues showed how a swift, transparent response can limit reputational damage and preserve consumer confidence in the foldable phone category, Jeronimo stated.
Apple began shipping the iPhone Duo last week. Strong initial demand has led to online orders selling out within minutes, leaving customers with limited availability.
Analysts have warned that the device’s complex manufacturing process could constrain supplies.
In fact, the iPhone Duo remains in short supply more than a week after launch, with global delivery estimates averaging 79 days and some shipments pushed into January 2027.
Price Action: Apple shares closed at $343.91 on Monday, down 1.10%. In after-hours trading, shares slipped 0.10% to $343.56, according to Benzinga Pro.
Benzinga Edge Rankings place Apple’s stock in the 97th percentile for Quality and the 40th percentile for Growth.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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