Apple has acknowledged a screen cracking issue affecting some units of its newly launched iPhone Duo, which debuted last Friday. Reports surfaced almost immediately after the launch, with users sharing images of cracks appearing above the hinge on the inner display. In response, Apple announced it would replace damaged devices, although it has not disclosed the number of affected units.
Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown technician at iFixit, has examined the iPhone Duo and identified potential causes for the screen damage. He explained that the issue likely stems from the hinge mechanism, where a combination of gears, springs, and joints allows the device to fold flat while minimizing crease formation. However, this design may inadvertently cause the flexible inner screen to press against the hinge, leading to damage.
Mokhtari noted that the inner screen is particularly sensitive; even minor pressure can result in breakage. Observations from damaged units on social media often show a concentrated black spot where the screen has been impacted, indicating contact with the hinge. iFixit’s teardown analysis further illustrates how the hinge’s design could create stress points that compromise the screen’s integrity.
While Apple claims the issue affects a “small number” of devices, Mokhtari suggests that the company likely possesses more detailed data on the extent of the problem. He cautioned that, given the delicate nature of foldable screens and hinges, some failures are expected. Although Apple is not recalling the iPhone Duo at this time, Mokhtari indicated that if the issue persists over the next few months, it could lead to a broader recall.
This being the first generation of the iPhone Duo, Mokhtari anticipates that Apple will redesign the hinge mechanism in future iterations based on the data collected from current users. He also mentioned that many users have reported no issues with their devices, suggesting that while some units are affected, the majority may function without problems.
For further details on the teardown findings, you can refer to iFixit’s analysis.
For more technology news, visit our technology section.
