Reports of cracked inner displays on Apple’s iPhone Duo are gaining credibility, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirming that some devices suffered damage during normal use. Although Apple has described the problem as affecting only a “small number” of units, the actual figure could reach thousands, raising further questions about the foldable phone’s hinge design.
Concerns surrounding the durability of Apple’s first foldable smartphone are growing as more users report cracks appearing along the central crease of the inner display. According to Bloomberg’s chief Apple correspondent Mark Gurman, some of these incidents involve genuine customer devices, with damage occurring under ordinary usage conditions rather than as a result of accidental mishandling.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said he had independently examined evidence from affected users before publishing his findings. His observations challenge claims circulating among some online commentators that the reported failures could be exaggerated, artificially generated or caused by improper handling.
Apple’s ‘small number’ could still mean thousands of devices
Apple has acknowledged reports of cracked iPhone Duo displays, describing the affected devices as a “small number” without disclosing an exact figure.
However, Gurman cautioned that the wording does not necessarily indicate an insignificant number of customers. Given the potential sales volume, even a relatively small proportion of defective devices could translate into thousands of affected units.
Several customer reports describe a similar sequence of events. The hinge reportedly becomes unusually stiff during opening, sometimes accompanied by a crunching sound, before cracks emerge along the central section or right side of the inner display.
Gurman suspects that a defective batch of hinge components may be responsible. In this scenario, a mechanical part that fails to move into its intended position could exert excessive pressure against the flexible display, eventually damaging the panel from underneath.
Apple has yet to publicly confirm this explanation or identify the precise component responsible.
iFixit investigation also points toward the hinge mechanism
Independent analysis by repair specialist iFixit has raised additional questions about the mechanical structure inside the iPhone Duo.
Its teardown identified two possible explanations for the reported damage. One involves a central support bar that may not retract completely when the device is folded. Another possibility concerns the curved guide rails, which could move upward and apply pressure to the inner display.
Either scenario could create stress around the folding area, potentially explaining why several reported cracks appear close to the central crease.
These remain technical hypotheses rather than confirmed findings. Nevertheless, both Gurman’s observations and iFixit’s analysis point toward the hinge assembly as a potential source of the problem, rather than an inherent weakness in the display panel itself.
The reports have also drawn comparisons with durability concerns previously associated with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. However, the issues appear to involve different mechanisms. Earlier complaints about Samsung’s foldable device concerned slight movement around the inner display corners, which the company reportedly described as part of its cushioning design rather than a manufacturing defect.
The suspected iPhone Duo hinge problem, if confirmed, would therefore represent a separate hardware concern specific to Apple’s foldable design.
Apple advises affected customers to contact AppleCare
For owners experiencing unusual resistance or mechanical noises when opening their iPhone Duo, the reports suggest that waiting for visible screen damage may not be the best approach.
Apple has advised customers with affected devices to contact AppleCare for assistance and potential replacement. According to the report, customers do not need to purchase the optional AppleCare+ plan to receive support for this particular issue.
Replacement availability could become another challenge, particularly if the number of affected devices is higher than initially suggested. Limited inventory may result in longer waiting periods while Apple arranges replacement units.
Although Apple’s response indicates that the company is addressing customer complaints, the next important step will be determining the actual scale of the problem and identifying its root cause.
For now, iPhone Duo owners who notice a sudden change in hinge resistance or hear unusual sounds during operation should contact Apple’s support team rather than continuing to use a device that may have a mechanical fault.