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

The recently released iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable smartphone, is encountering complaints of screen damage, with some early purchasers reporting cracks and display failures shortly after use. Visuals shared on social media platforms depict damage primarily around the hinge area of the inner display, featuring vertical cracks and horizontal lines across the screen.

Additional reports highlight the presence of dead pixels, casting doubt on the resilience of the foldable display, which is a key feature of the device. Social media user Sam Kohl expressed skepticism about the durability of the iPhone Duo, suggesting caution when using it in beach environments. The launch of the iPhone Duo has been met with strong pre-order interest, resulting in rapid sell-out of initial stocks and extended delivery timelines for some customers, stretching into the following year.

With prices ranging from Dh8,499 to Dh13,599 in the UAE, the device's high demand has led to limited retail availability. Apple has reportedly been offering replacement devices to affected customers despite the scarcity of stock. However, a user in the US who received a defective Duo reported that T-Mobile was unable to replace any components until January, highlighting potential logistical challenges for customers.

Apple is also reportedly sending damaged units to its California engineering teams for investigation to ascertain the cause of the failures and to assess whether modifications are necessary for future models. Despite these issues, the extent of the problem remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the reported screen failures signify a broad manufacturing or design flaw.

The complications surrounding the iPhone Duo's launch come amid intense competition in the foldable smartphone market, where Apple faces established competitors such as Samsung and Google, each with extensive experience in developing devices featuring flexible displays.