Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone has finally arrived, but some early customers are reporting an alarming problem: cracking screens, unexpected popping noises, and display failures after just hours of use.
Apple officially released its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, on October 23, 2026.
The device represents a major milestone for the company, bringing a folding display to the iPhone lineup for the first time.
Unfortunately, the launch has also been accompanied by reports of problems with the phone’s inner display.
What’s happening to the screens?
Shortly after receiving their devices, several iPhone Duo owners began sharing photos and videos of damaged displays on Reddit and other social media platforms.
The reported symptoms include:
- Cracks appearing along the inner screen’s folding crease.
- Audible popping, cracking, or crunching sounds while opening the phone.
- Unusual resistance or stiffness from the hinge.
- Bright white lines or patches of damaged pixels spreading across the display.
One early owner in Australia reported that their phone developed screen damage within approximately six hours of ownership and fewer than 20 openings.
According to the owner’s account, the device made an audible cracking noise while being unfolded, followed by visible display damage.
Several other reports describe similar failures around the same section of the screen.
Could the hinge be responsible?
Repair specialists at iFixit examined the iPhone Duo’s internal design to better understand the reported damage.
Their analysis identified a possible problem involving the phone’s central hinge support mechanism.
One theory is that a supporting component may not retract properly during folding, potentially creating concentrated pressure against the flexible OLED display.
Over time—or potentially after just a few movements—this pressure could damage the delicate screen.
However, this remains a theory rather than a confirmed explanation.
Apple has not publicly established the exact cause of the failures.
Apple has officially responded
On October 26, Apple acknowledged the display issue, saying it was aware of problems affecting a small number of iPhone Duo units.
The company advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Some customers have already reported receiving replacement devices at Apple Stores, although limited inventory may complicate immediate replacements.
At this stage, it is not clear how many devices are affected or whether the failures are connected to a particular manufacturing batch.
It would therefore be premature to conclude that all iPhone Duo devices have a defective hinge.
Haven’t we seen this before?
Apple isn’t the first smartphone manufacturer to encounter difficulties with foldable displays.
Samsung faced significant durability problems with its original Galaxy Fold in 2019, leading the company to delay its launch while making design improvements.
Foldable phones present unique engineering challenges because their flexible displays repeatedly bend around complex mechanical hinges.
Unlike traditional smartphones, their displays must withstand both everyday touchscreen use and thousands of folding movements.
That additional mechanical complexity can introduce new potential points of failure.
What should iPhone Duo owners do?
If you own an iPhone Duo and notice unusual resistance, popping noises, or display abnormalities, avoid forcing the device open or closed.
If possible, document the symptoms, back up your data, and contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Do not attempt to repair the hinge yourself or remove protective layers from the inner display.
Apple has directed customers experiencing the reported display defect to AppleCare for replacement assistance.
Should you avoid buying the iPhone Duo?
Not necessarily.
The early reports are concerning, particularly for a premium device, but there is not yet enough information to determine how widespread the issue is.
Most importantly, Apple has acknowledged the problem and offered replacement assistance.
For prospective buyers, it may be sensible to monitor further durability testing and customer reports before purchasing.
What we know so far
The iPhone Duo is an exciting development in smartphone technology, but its first week on the market has exposed possible durability concerns.
Whether the issue turns out to be a limited manufacturing defect or something requiring a broader hardware change remains to be seen.
For now, the most important questions are how widespread the failures are, what is causing them, and how Apple will prevent them in future devices.
MorpTech will continue following developments as more information becomes available.
Sources: Reuters — Apple’s Replacement Response · MacRumors — Display Cracking Reports
