Early Apple iPhone Duo Users Report Hinge Jams and Screen Failures
Early buyers of the $2,000 Apple iPhone Duo have reported hinge jams and screen failures shortly after unboxing. Apple acknowledged the issue in a limited number of units and advised users to contact AppleCare for replacements.
Apple's newly launched iPhone Duo, priced at $2,000, has faced early durability concerns as some users report hinge failures and screen malfunctions within hours of unboxing.
Jesse Dalton, a resident of the Dallas area, experienced a hinge failure just five minutes after setting up his new foldable device. After transferring his cellular service and apps, Dalton demonstrated the phone to his wife. Within four or five folds, the hinge jammed at a 45-degree angle, followed by a sharp cracking sound when forced open. Bright lines subsequently appeared across the display, and the internal screen developed a warped appearance.
A similar issue occurred in Melbourne, Australia, where Shane Besinsky's iPhone Duo broke after six hours of careful use. While showing the device to a friend, Besinsky heard a distinct cracking sound, felt a small bulge on the screen, and observed lines cutting across the display. Both users successfully obtained replacement units at local Apple retail stores, with Besinsky noting that the replacement model operated much more smoothly.
Apple has responded to the incidents through an official statement. An Apple spokesperson stated: "We are aware of an issue affecting the internal screen in a small number of iPhone Duo units. Users experiencing screen issues with their iPhone Duo are encouraged to contact AppleCare for a replacement." The company did not specify the exact number of affected devices and clarified that no product recall has been issued.
Industry analysts and repair experts are examining whether the failures stem from isolated manufacturing defects or a broader systemic flaw. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of worldwide devices at research firm IDC, noted that the similarities between reported cases suggest a potential sensitivity in the hinge mechanism or screen support structure. Meanwhile, iFixit senior technician Shahram Mokhtari pointed to a unique hinge placement near the area where the bright lines emerge, suggesting that a mechanical failure in this region could sever vital micro-scale electrical circuits.
Mokhtari also noted that trapped debris or manufacturing tolerances could jeopardize flexible OLED screens, drawing parallels to the early deployment hurdles faced by foldable devices in the industry. Despite these hardware concerns, iFixit's teardown revealed that the iPhone Duo is the easiest foldable phone to repair among those evaluated, featuring accessible screws and batteries secured with removable adhesive.
