Apple offers replacements for foldable iPhones with inner screen faults
Apple says a small number of its new foldable iPhone Duo handsets have problems with their inner displays and is offering replacements to affected users. The reports come days after launch, putting attention on the reliability of Apple’s first foldable phone and how it will respond to faults in a new product category.
Users have shared images of screen lines and cracks near the central crease, and some report a crunching noise when opening the device. Apple has not said how many phones are affected, and analysts caution that some online images may be AI-generated; the Duo’s 7.6-inch display relies on a complex hinge. It costs from £1,999 and up to £3,199, with sales due to begin in 28 more markets on 30 October.
In short
- Apple is replacing some iPhone Duo handsets with display problems.
- The extent of the reported faults remains unclear.
- The £1,999 foldable phone launches in 28 more markets on 30 October.
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The case for
Offering replacements is a reasonable early response if a small number of customers have received faulty phones, especially given the high price and the importance of a foldable screen working reliably. A new design with a complex hinge may reveal problems only after launch, so prompt support can protect customers while Apple investigates the cause and scale.
The case against
Reports of lines, cracks and unusual noises so soon after launch raise legitimate questions about whether the Duo was tested thoroughly enough for everyday use. With no clear figure for affected phones, customers may reasonably want more information about the fault and Apple’s response before trusting a costly first-generation device.
Explained simply
Foldable phones use a flexible inner screen and a hinge so the device can open into a larger display and close to a more compact shape. The screen and hinge must withstand repeated opening and closing, making durability a key concern for this type of phone.
Apple is the maker of the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, which has a 7.6-inch inner display. At prices starting at £1,999, it is a high-cost device, so faults could affect buyers’ confidence as well as Apple’s reputation for product reliability.
Reports of screen faults have drawn attention to how well the new design works in everyday use. The issue also matters to other phone makers, as the market for foldable devices grows and manufacturers seek to make them more durable.
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Originally published by BBC Technology as “Apple says it will replace iPhone Duo handsets with screen problems”.