Apple Acknowledges iPhone Duo Inner Display Cracking Issues
- Apple has acknowledged display issues on the iPhone Duo.
- Users report cracks appearing near the device's hinge.
- iFixit teardowns suggest dust and pressure may cause failures.
- Apple has advised affected customers to contact AppleCare.
- Some users report being denied warranty coverage for the device.
On 27 October 2026, Apple confirmed that a limited quantity of iPhone Duo devices are suffering from internal screen issues and is advising users to contact AppleCare to obtain a replacement. In a statement to MacRumors, the company acknowledged this display issue while noting that early user response to the device's form factor has been positive.
This development follows years of Apple's research and development efforts into autonomous vehicle technology, which began with a project codenamed Project Titan from 2014 until 2024. The firm collaborated with Volkswagen in May 2018 to manufacture a self-driving staff shuttle van utilizing the T6 Transporter platform.
By 2020, reports indicated that Apple was working on self-driving hardware, software, and services as a product instead of actual branded cars. Reuters reported in December 2020 that Apple planned a 2024 launch, though analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a launch would not occur before 2025 and might be delayed until 2028 or later.
Users report screen damage near the hinge
Owners are sharing images on Reddit showing display damage concentrated near the hinge, which often appears as a line of bright pixels across the inner screen. An Australian owner stated that their screen fractured following less than 20 opening and closing cycles, leading to a device swap at an Apple Store.
The reported damage frequently occurs near the hinge's shape change, the accordion cable, or where curved rails inside the hinge lift above flat plates. These accounts come after previous information from August 2018, when the BBC stated that Apple possessed 66 road-registered driverless cars and 111 registered drivers.
iFixit teardown identifies potential design flaws
An iFixit teardown and dust test revealed that dust can enter the iPhone Duo hinge despite the device having an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. The hinge design is currently under scrutiny following these screen-crack complaints.
iFixit suggested that potential causes for the display failures include pressure on the inner screen, trapped particles, repeated bending, manufacturing defects, or wiring issues.
Mark Gurman confirms initial lack of retail guidance
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg confirmed on X that the screen-cracking issue is real. He noted that Apple initially provided no guidance to retail stores or customer service representatives regarding these complaints.
Reports of inconsistent warranty coverage
Some reports indicate that Apple has denied warranty coverage for the device. One user report involved an iPhone Duo that broke after only three hours of use.
Early concerns regarding the iPhone Duo form factor
iPhone Duo owners previously complained about cracking folding displays, leading to investigations into the cause. Earlier, an iPhone Duo hands-on video showed a soft spot around the display crease.
Future software updates for the iPhone Duo
Apple plans to introduce Apple Pencil support for the device in the upcoming iOS 27.2 update. The company will also include a Reachability feature later in the year.
iPhone Duo remains the most expensive Apple model
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable smartphone and is currently the most expensive iPhone model available. In Uganda, the device retails for Shs 9M.
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- Apple Reportedly Acknowledges iPhone Duo Inner Display Failures After Users Report Cracks (gadgets360.com)
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