Apple's highly anticipated first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, launched on October 23, 2026, generating substantial customer interest despite its premium price starting at $1,999. However, shortly after its release, some customers reported issues with the device’s inner screen, specifically damage near the hinge that causes horizontal bright lines to appear. Apple acknowledged the problem on October 26, describing it as affecting a “small number” of units and committed to replacing affected devices under the AppleCare warranty program.

The inner screen damage appears to be linked to the sophisticated hinge mechanism that allows the device to fold. Repair experts at iFixit, after dissecting the iPhone Duo, suggested that the complexity and precision of the hinge—with its dozens of parts—may be vulnerable to manufacturing variances or contaminants like dust particles that can harm the fragile display panel. Customers have described hearing a crunch while folding or unfolding before the screen exhibits problems, indicating a mechanical weakness in that area.

Screen breakage with foldable phones is not new; similar challenges have plagued devices since Samsung first introduced folding smartphones in 2019, which also suffered from screen durability issues. Despite this early setback, early reviews praised the iPhone Duo’s foldable experience, highlighting improved multitasking and media capabilities when the device is opened. Apple also noted that app developers are actively updating software to better leverage the device's unique screen size and foldable design.

Apple’s official site states that out-of-warranty repairs for the iPhone Duo’s inner display will cost $999, underscoring the high expense tied to foldable phone screen repairs. While some reports have surfaced on platforms like Reddit and X, there have also been fake images circulating online, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the issue. Nonetheless, Apple reassured users that it is monitoring the situation closely and encourages customers experiencing problems to reach out to AppleCare for support and replacements.