October 27, 2026, 8:13 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Barely has Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, become available when reports of damaged displays are causing a stir. Some devices reportedly developed cracks during setup or after just a few folds.
Cracks at the Delicate Fold
For some buyers of the iPhone Duo, the excitement over the new smartphone seems to end early. Online, photos and reports are surfacing that allegedly show damage to the inner foldable display, according to “Giga.” A similar pattern is emerging: In several cases, the crack runs along the screen’s central fold.
According to the accounts, a bright horizontal stripe with defective pixels sometimes accompanies the damage. Some users even report issues during the initial setup. This is particularly frustrating given the high price: The iPhone Duo starts at 2,299 euros in Germany. However, how many devices are actually affected remains unknown.
Hinge Could Be a Possible Cause
There is no confirmed cause for the display damage yet. However, after examining the device, repair specialists are focusing on the hinge construction. One theory suggests that where several components and a flexible cable meet, significant mechanical stress could occur.
Frequent opening and closing might transfer this pressure to the sensitive display, causing damage. Another speculation is that a hinge element may not fully retract when folded, pressing against the screen from below. Whether any of these mechanisms are actually responsible for the reported cracks remains uncertain.
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Isolated Cases or Serious Problem for Apple?
The key question now is whether the damage is due to a fundamental design flaw or if it affects only certain devices or a faulty production batch. Buyer reports at least suggest that Apple has been accommodating so far. Damaged devices have reportedly been exchanged without hassle in Apple Stores.
Also interesting: Did Apple make a big mistake with the iPhone Duo?
Problems with sensitive foldable displays are not a new phenomenon. Other manufacturers have also faced challenges with early generations of their foldables. For Apple, the coming weeks will be crucial: Only a larger number of experiences will reveal whether the so-called “Crackgate” remains limited to a few cases or becomes a bigger issue for the first foldable iPhone.
Apple Responds
Apple commented to TECHBOOK: “The initial reactions to the iPhone Duo have been overwhelmingly positive. We are also seeing exciting developments from developers who are quickly updating their apps to optimize for the device’s unique form factor. We are aware of an issue affecting the inner display of a small number of iPhone Duo devices. If users experience problems with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare to receive a replacement device.”