Apple acknowledges inner screen defect in foldable iPhone Duo

According to the company, the defect affects a small number of smartphones and typically appears within the first few days after purchase. Owners describe a similar pattern on social media: slight resistance is felt when opening or closing the casing, followed by a crack appearing along the crease line and a bright stripe running across the screen. One buyer reported that his device failed after six hours, during which he had unfolded it only a few dozen times.

To receive a replacement, users need to contact an AppleCare service centre. The replacement is free of charge, and extended AppleCare+ insurance is not required. Repairing the inner display at official service centres in the United States costs $1,000. After tearing down the smartphone, iFixit specialists concluded that the issue is linked to the hinge design: its central support does not drop low enough when folding, pressing against the display.

TrendForce analysts describe initial reviews of the smartphone as mixed. Buyers praised the split-screen mode and picture quality on the inner display, but cited black bars in several apps, button placement, and fingerprint login among the downsides. TrendForce forecasts that iPhone Duo shipments will reach about 5 million units in 2026, or roughly 24.8% of the foldable smartphone market, and Apple's share in this segment could rise to 29.8% in 2027. Global foldable device shipments are projected by analysts to increase by just 0.5% in 2026.