Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone Duo hit store shelves on October 23, marking the official launch of the company’s first major foldable smartphone. While the device has generated significant excitement, the launch has been marred by early reports of hardware failures. Several customers have reported that the inner screens cracked after just a few folds, casting a shadow over what was expected to be a celebratory debut for the $2,000 device.
Early Reports of Screen Failures
Issues with the iPhone Duo screens began surfacing shortly after the device became available in markets ahead of the United States, including China and Australia. The problems appear to be concentrated around the central hinge area, where the flexible display folds. One detailed account came from a Reddit user who stated they experienced a screen break after owning the phone for only six hours and folding it fewer than twenty times.
The user reported visiting an Apple Store and receiving an immediate replacement, but expressed disappointment at the initial defect. Other users have shared images showing damage in nearly identical locations along the crease. This pattern of failure suggests a potential issue with the manufacturing quality or the design of the hinge mechanism itself.
Contrast with Professional Reviews
Despite these early consumer reports, professional reviewers who tested the device prior to launch have not encountered similar catastrophic failures. Tech journalists and YouTubers subjected the iPhone Duo to rigorous durability tests, folding the device thousands of times. While the screens and hinges showed signs of wear after extensive use, none of the professional units cracked during these accelerated stress tests.
This discrepancy raises questions about whether the early failures are the result of a small batch of defective units or a more fundamental design flaw. It is also possible that user error, such as folding the device incorrectly or exposing it to debris, contributed to the initial breakages. However, the consistency of the damage location in user-submitted photos makes a random defect less likely.
As more units reach customers globally, additional reports are expected to emerge. The iPhone Duo represents a significant step for Apple into the foldable market, but these early hardware issues could impact consumer confidence if the problem proves to be widespread. Apple has not yet issued an official statement regarding the specific failures reported on launch day.
Source: Android Authority
