Early iPhone Duo owners report cracked and creased foldable screens

Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, is facing complaints from early buyers who say its screen is failing soon after purchase, TechCrunch reports, citing coverage from Bloomberg and 404 Media. The number of affected owners appears to be small, but the reports cast doubt on Apple's claim that it had mastered a difficult design.

What owners are describing

According to Bloomberg, some users say the display cracked "after just hours or days of use." The problems reported so far include:

• A loud crunching sound, after which a crack becomes visible on the screen.
• Other faults in how the display works, without a visible crack.
• Pronounced creases along the fold of the screen, which 404 Media described in its reporting. The device costs about $2,000.

Apple told Bloomberg it knows of a problem with the inner display on a limited number of iPhone Duo units. It has not said what causes the fault or how affected customers will be helped. TechCrunch said it had asked Apple for comment.

A familiar problem for foldables

Apple presented the Duo at its Surprise and Shine event this year and said it had finally solved the challenges of a folding phone. Building a durable foldable device has long been a goal across the technology industry, and many earlier models from other makers have struggled with similar screen damage and visible creasing. The early complaints suggest the issue may not be fully resolved, though it remains unclear how widespread the fault is.

What it means for buyers

For people following new devices and consumer technology, the reports are a reminder that first-generation hardware can carry risks, particularly with costly and mechanically complex designs such as folding screens. Shoppers considering an early purchase may want to check warranty and return terms, watch for official statements from the manufacturer and wait for wider user reports before buying.