Apple to replace iPhone Duo handsets with screen issues

Apple confirmed on Monday that certain units of its newly launched foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Duo, are experiencing display issues shortly after purchase. The company acknowledged the problem without specifying the root cause, urging affected customers to reach out to AppleCare for a replacement. Images circulating on social media show vertical cracks running down the center of the inner display, accompanied by horizontal lines stretching across the right side of the screen.

Some devices have also reportedly exhibited dead pixels, raising concerns about the resilience of the innovative foldable display, which is a key selling point for the Duo. Despite strong initial demand, with pre-orders selling out rapidly and customers queuing at stores, reports of damaged screens began surfacing over the weekend.

This adds pressure to Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, already dominated by established players Samsung and Google, both of which have extensive experience in developing devices with flexible displays. The iPhone Duo, priced between Dh8,499 and Dh13,599 in the UAE, is currently facing challenges due to overwhelming demand and the extended shipping times it has brought about.