The short version
- Apple has confirmed it will replace iPhone Duo units experiencing inner display problems, acknowledging issues with a small number of devices sold since last week.
- Users have reported visual artifacts such as lines on the screen, cracks along the central crease, and unusual noises when opening the device, though the total extent of the defect remains unclear.
- The recall effort follows a high-profile launch under new CEO John Ternus, who positioned the expensive handset as a redefinition of foldable technology despite historical challenges in this hardware category.
Apple has announced it will replace iPhone Duo handsets that have developed screen problems, just days after the highly anticipated device went on sale. The company stated it is aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of units and urged affected customers to contact support for replacements. This admission comes shortly after the launch attracted long queues at Apple stores globally, signaling strong consumer interest in the brand's first attempt at a foldable smartphone.
Reports from early adopters highlight specific technical failures associated with the device's complex hinge mechanism. Social media posts show lines appearing on screens, cracks forming along the center crease, and users hearing crunching noises when opening the handset. One user, Justin Lokos, shared images of a defective unit displaying lines across the right side of the screen, followed by a photo of his replacement device alongside the broken one, expressing gratitude for assistance received at an Apple store in New York.
The scope of the defect remains uncertain. Apple has not disclosed how many devices are affected, and some images circulating online showing faulty units may have been generated using artificial intelligence rather than depicting actual hardware failures. Despite this ambiguity, the company's decision to offer replacements indicates a recognition that at least some units suffer from genuine manufacturing or design flaws related to the inner display.
The iPhone Duo represents a significant strategic shift for Apple, marking its first major iPhone redesign in nearly two decades. Unveiled by new chief executive John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September, the device is priced starting at £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK, with top-tier models reaching £3,199. When closed, the phone resembles a wider version of a standard iPhone, but it opens to reveal a 7.6-inch inner display that functions like a small tablet computer.
Ternus positioned the Duo as a superior alternative to existing foldable phones on the market. During the unveiling at Apple's California headquarters last month, he criticized competitors' devices for feeling like two phones awkwardly stuck together. He claimed the Duo would redefine the experience of using a foldable phone, aiming to challenge rivals who have offered Android-based folding devices for years. This launch is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate Apple's product catalogue.
The challenges faced by the iPhone Duo echo earlier struggles in the foldable phone industry. Samsung's first foldable device, the Galaxy Fold, encountered significant setbacks in 2019 when reviewers reported broken screens shortly after its release. The central hinge required for folding displays is a complex piece of engineering that has historically resulted in flaws across various manufacturers. Apple spent years developing this technology before finally releasing the Duo.
For consumers, the immediate implication is a potential delay or inconvenience if they are among the small number of users affected by the screen issues. The replacement process appears to be functioning for some, as evidenced by user reports of successful exchanges. However, the lack of clarity regarding the total number of defective units leaves many buyers uncertain about the long-term reliability of their new devices.
Looking ahead, Apple must balance its ambitious marketing claims with the practical realities of hardware durability. The success of the iPhone Duo will likely depend on how effectively the company resolves these early defects and whether it can maintain consumer confidence in a premium-priced product. As the first major redesign under Ternus's leadership, the outcome of this launch could set the tone for future innovations at the company.
The incident also highlights the ongoing competition in the smartphone market. While Android users have had access to a broad selection of foldable phones for some time, Apple's entry raises the stakes for innovation and quality. The company's ability to address these initial problems swiftly will be critical in establishing its credibility in this new segment of the mobile technology landscape.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Business↗Apple says it will replace iPhone Duo handsets with screen problems
