Paul Jones / Android Authority
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TL; Dr
- Apple has acknowledged an issue affecting the iPhone Duo’s internal display following reports of screens cracking near the hinge.
- The entry follows CEO John Ternus’ recent claim that early Android foldables were “kind of cheap and clunky.”
- Apple says that only a small number of units are affected and advises owners experiencing problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Apple may have taken its sweet time joining the foldable party, but it hasn’t escaped the growing pains that greeted some of its Android rivals years ago. Just days after the $1,999 iPhone Duo went on sale, Apple officially acknowledged reports of the inner display cracking near the hinge. It’s an inconvenient development for a company that has waited years to get folding bars right, especially after its CEO recently took a swipe at previous attempts.
In a statement shared with 9 on 5McApple confirms:
The response to iPhone Duo from early adopters has been incredibly positive, and we’re seeing exciting things from developers quickly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor. We are aware of an issue affecting the internal display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience problems with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
The company claims that the problem affects very few devices, with defects apparently appearing shortly after use. However, it did not explain what is causing the failure or whether it is planning any manufacturing changes.
Further durability tests and teardown findings didn’t exactly help Apple’s case. JerryRigEverything’s bend test left the inner display with permanent green lines. iFixit has also identified a potential stress point in the hinge that could explain some of the reported failures, although the exact cause remains unknown. Meanwhile, separate endurance tests showed that the hinge held up well after thousands of folds, but the screen became noticeably duller with repeated use.
Of course, Apple is not breaking new ground here. Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold suffered notorious display failures before its release, and foldable durability remains an industry-wide challenge. But what makes Apple’s situation particularly ironic is that CEO John Ternus recently described some early foldables as “kind of cheap and crappy” in a TIME interview. And with Samsung already having fun with the iPhone Duo, the timing couldn’t be more awkward.
In addition to acknowledging the display flaws, Apple also shared some encouraging news. The company says early feedback on the iPhone Duo has been overwhelmingly positive, with developers quickly updating their apps to make better use of its foldable design.
Still, a handful of mistakes does not establish a widespread design flaw. Apple’s acknowledgment and replacement offer are welcome, but determining why these screens are cracking remains the bigger question.