iPhone Duo Buyers Report Cracks and Dead Pixels Days After Launch

Days after the highly anticipated release of Apple's foldable iPhone Duo, priced at approximately £2,000, numerous customers are reporting significant screen issues, including cracks, dead pixels, and lines appearing across the display. Social media platforms have become a hub for these complaints, with some users dubbing the emerging problem 'crackgate'.

Reports indicate that users experience an unexpected stiffness in the device's hinge, often followed by an audible 'pop' that results in screen damage. Some customers have found their phones breaking within hours of purchase. Dozens of images shared online show a consistent pattern of damage, often a large crack along the central crease, with chipped areas and lines of dead pixels extending across the screen.

One user on Reddit recounted that a crack appeared on their iPhone Duo just three hours after purchase, after opening the device approximately 20 times. Another customer reported a similar experience, hearing a crack along the hinge as they opened the phone to show a friend, with the screen breaking shortly thereafter. Another user stated their screen cracked after only four openings during the initial setup process.

These issues appear to stem from the device's complex hinge mechanism, which Apple stated was designed to minimize the central crease and ensure 'lasting reliability.' However, teardowns by iFixit, a technology repair website, suggest a potential fault. Their examination revealed a complex hinge with a section of cable that passes over the area where cracks commonly originate. It is theorized that a failure in the hinge's intended movement could put pressure on the screen, leading to the reported damage. A Korean YouTuber, CuriousHagi, reportedly recreated the cracking issue during durability testing, finding that a small component within the hinge had snapped, impacting the screen.

Apple has not yet officially confirmed the cause of these issues or acknowledged a widespread problem. However, the company's warranty covers hinge failures due to normal use for one year. Without warranty coverage, repair costs for the iPhone Duo could reach as high as $1,500.

Currently, all color and memory options for the iPhone Duo are out of stock online, with new shipments not expected until at least January 22, 2027, potentially causing lengthy waits for replacements. Some affected customers have reported success in obtaining full refunds or in-person replacements by visiting Apple Stores directly.

The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch folding Super Retina XDR display and a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR outer display. It is available in Star White and Night Sky colors, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. The device measures 11.3mm when folded and 5.2mm when unfolded, weighing 254g. It boasts 48MP main and ultra-wide rear cameras, a 12MP internal camera, and battery life rated for up to 44 hours of use on the outer display or 31 hours on the inner display.