
After first announcing the company’s first ever foldable phone, Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally available to buy, with prices starting from $1,999.
During its initial announcement at the Apple ‘Surprise and Shine’ event in September, the firm shared that the device was innovated with a thin screen layer to minimize the visibility of a crease along the screen where it folds, and when unfolded, will be their thinnest model yet.
The hinge was also engineered to support the device, with Apple stating: “The central structural plane has support ribs for added stiffness. To make the frame even more rigid, the antenna splits are reinforced with high performance inserts. They’re made from ceramic fibers that are three times stronger than grade five titanium. Together these structural details make iPhone Duo feel exceptionally solid every time you use it.”

Advert
However, with fans now bringing the device home, some have taken to social media to share issues they are experiencing, in particular, the screen cracking.
The phenomenon has become known online as ‘crackgate’, with people sharing photos of their iPhone Duo with a broken screen.
Requesting an iPhone Duo replacement for cracked screen
According to a report by the BBC, Apple has shared that it is aware of ‘an issue impacting the inner display on a small number’ of devices.
The firm’s full statement reads as: “The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor. We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.”

Apple has not yet publicly explained what is behind the reported screen damage, leaving affected owners waiting for more details about the fault, however, an investigation by iFixit led to experts dismantling the new Apple phone to figure out where its weaknesses might be.
As a result, the team identified a section of the hinge where mechanical stress could potentially build up, offering one possible explanation for the damage.
If anyone notices a crack or other issue with their iPhone Duo’s inner display, then they are urged to contact AppleCare to discuss the next steps.
The firm has also not confirmed how long users will be waiting for their replacements or whether all affected customers will receive a new device immediately.