Apple to replace iPhone Duos affected by screen problem

Apple will replace any iPhone Duo that shows a faulty inner screen, the company said on Thursday after customers reported lines, cracks and a crunching sound when the device is opened. The announcement comes just days after the foldable phone launched worldwide at a starting price of £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK. Apple urged owners who notice the problem to contact the firm for a replacement unit.

The Duo’s debut was meant to revive Apple’s smartphone line and take on rival foldables from Samsung and other Android makers. It arrived after a week of long queues at Apple stores, the first major redesign of an iPhone in almost two decades. The device folds on a central hinge to reveal a 7.6‑inch inner display, a design that has proven tricky for competitors; Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold suffered similar screen failures in 2019.

Early reports show a small number of phones developing visible lines across the right side of the display, cracks along the centre crease and a audible click when the hinge is opened. Users posted photos on social media, and one buyer, Justin Lokos, thanked a New York Apple store for swapping his faulty handset. Apple has not disclosed how many units are affected, and some images may have been generated by AI, analysts said. Francisco Jeronimo of IDC warned that the issue highlights a steep learning curve for Apple in foldable technology, even with its strong engineering and supply‑chain capabilities. He added that how Apple handles this first‑generation problem will influence confidence in the premium foldable market.

Apple must now clarify its warranty policy ahead of the Duo’s rollout in 28 more markets on 30 October. The company’s retail network can replace devices on the spot, but the speed and transparency of the response will affect buyer sentiment. If Apple resolves the screen issue quickly, it could reinforce the Duo’s positioning as a high‑end alternative to existing Android foldables and set the tone for future iterations. A prolonged problem, however, could dent the brand’s reputation in a segment where reliability is already a key selling point.