Apple Faces Screen Complaints as First Foldable iPhone Duo Users Report Cracks Days After Launch- Apple is facing early concerns over its first foldable smartphone after some customers reported cracks and lines appearing on the device’s inner display just days after it went on sale.
The iPhone Duo, which launched on 23 October with a starting price of £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK, has drawn attention on social media, where users shared images apparently showing damage to the phone’s large folding screen. The reports have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s latest flagship device, which represents a major new direction for the company’s smartphone range.
Responding to the complaints on Monday, Apple acknowledged that a display issue was affecting a small number of devices. The company said it was aware of the problem and would replace affected handsets.
However, the technology giant has not explained what might be causing the screen damage or disclosed how many customers have experienced the issue. With the product only recently reaching buyers, further information will be important in determining whether the problem is limited to a small batch or points to a wider concern.
The launch of the iPhone Duo was one of Apple’s most significant product developments, bringing the company into the increasingly competitive foldable smartphone market. Rivals have already established a presence in the category, making the durability and everyday usability of Apple’s first folding device particularly important.
When closed, the Duo is roughly the size of a passport. Opening it reveals a 7.6-inch (19.3cm) inner display, the largest screen ever featured on an iPhone. The device also supports Apple Pencil input, extending a capability previously associated with the company’s iPad lineup.
Apple has positioned the handset as more than a conventional smartphone with a folding screen. Its larger display allows users to run two different applications side by side or open two windows of the same website. This could prove useful for tasks such as comparing products while shopping online, reviewing documents or moving between applications without repeatedly switching screens.
The premium device also reflects Apple’s ambition to redefine how customers use their phones. At the launch event last month, CEO John Ternus, who formally took over from Tim Cook on 1 September, said the product would “redefine the experience of using a foldable phone”.
Despite the early complaints, the company’s decision to replace affected devices offers some reassurance to customers who encounter the reported problem. Nevertheless, the lack of a detailed explanation leaves questions about the issue’s cause and the long-term reliability of the display.
Foldable phones present particular engineering challenges because their screens must withstand repeated opening and closing while maintaining image quality and structural integrity. Even isolated reports can attract considerable attention when a device carries a premium price tag and represents a manufacturer’s first entry into a new product category.
The iPhone Duo’s launch also comes as Apple continues to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, the company announced advances in its AI capabilities, including upgrades to its Siri assistant, while emphasising privacy and practical everyday applications as it seeks to compete more effectively with technology rivals.
Beyond hardware and AI, Apple is also facing scrutiny over its wider business practices. In June, reports emerged about a proposed £3 billion class action lawsuit concerning the company’s iCloud storage service in the UK. If successful, the case could potentially involve approximately 39.7 million customers receiving compensation.
For now, the immediate focus remains on the foldable iPhone’s screen problems and Apple’s response to affected customers. The device’s innovative design and expansive display have generated interest, but early reports of damage could test consumer confidence at a crucial moment.
Whether the complaints remain isolated or develop into a broader reliability concern could play an important role in shaping the reception of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. For a device costing nearly £2,000, customers will expect not only cutting-edge features but also the durability to justify the premium price. The 10 Most Rewatched Movies of All Time (and Why You Keep Pressing Play) | Maya
