iPhone Duo Hinge Flaw Sparks Screen Cracking Reports Within Hours of Launch

The Verge · 2026-10-27
iPhone Duo Hinge Flaw Sparks Screen Cracking Reports Within Hours of Launch

Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, is facing early quality concerns after users reported cracked inner screens within hours of its launch on Friday. Photos shared widely on social media show a consistent defect: a crack or line appearing in the middle of the display, directly above the hinge mechanism. The pattern suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw in the hinge area, which may be exerting undue pressure on the ultra-thin glass or polymer screen when folded or unfolded. While Apple has not yet issued an official statement, the rapid spread of similar reports raises questions about the durability of the device, which starts at $1,999. For early adopters, the issue is a significant blow, as foldable phones are expected to withstand tens of thousands of fold cycles. The incident could impact consumer confidence in Apple's foldable lineup and put pressure on the company to address the problem swiftly, possibly through a repair program or design revision. As more units reach customers, the scale of the defect will become clearer, but for now, the iPhone Duo's debut is marred by a visible and worrying hardware flaw.