Apple’s iPhone Duo faces screen damage complaints as first buyers report cracks

Apple's newly released iPhone Duo is encountering reports of damaged screens, with some initial buyers claiming cracks and display malfunctions after only a few hours of use. Images circulating on social media depict damage primarily around the hinge area of the device's inner screen, featuring vertical splits and horizontal lines on the right side of the display.

Some units are also reportedly affected by dead pixels, casting doubt on the resilience of the foldable display, which is a key selling point of the phone. The complaints surface as the iPhone Duo officially launches, following an initial surge in pre-order demand that led to rapid sellouts of initial stock, pushing delivery dates for some customers into the following year.

Prices in the UAE range from approximately $2,300 to $3,700, with extended shipping times due to high demand. Apple has reportedly offered replacement devices to some impacted customers, despite limited availability in stores. However, a customer in the US who received a defective Duo reported that T-Mobile was unable to provide any repairs until January.

The iPhone manufacturer is also reportedly sending damaged units to its engineering teams in California for analysis to determine the cause of the failures and whether modifications are necessary for future models. The extent of the issue remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the reports of broken Duo screens indicate a widespread manufacturing or design flaw.

These problems add to the challenges Apple faces as it competes in a foldable smartphone market already dominated by Samsung and Google, both of which have extensive experience in developing devices with flexible displays.