Apple has acknowledged display problems affecting its newly launched iPhone Duo after several customers reported cracks and other screen defects within hours of purchasing the expensive foldable smartphone. The reports have raised concerns about the durability of the company’s first foldable phone.
The device went on sale globally on October 23, 2026, with a starting price of $1,999, equivalent to about Shs 8.9 million before taxes. In Uganda, the price could range from approximately Shs 8.9 million to Shs 14.5 million, depending on taxes and other charges.
Some customers have complained that cracks appeared along the phone’s central hinge, while others reported bright white lines, dead pixels and damaged internal displays after folding and unfolding their devices.
On Monday, October 26, Apple confirmed that a small number of iPhone Duo units had developed problems with their inner screens. The company advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacement arrangements, although it did not reveal the exact number of affected devices or the cause of the defects.
Complaints began circulating on social media shortly after customers received their phones. One buyer in Australia claimed that the inner display cracked within six hours of purchase. The customer reportedly felt unusual resistance around the hinge before hearing a cracking sound while unfolding the device, after which a bright line appeared across the screen.
Other owners have described similar experiences, with some claiming their phones developed faults after only a few folds. Bloomberg reportedly verified complaints from more than six customers who provided photographs of damaged devices or evidence of their communication with Apple support teams.
Technology repair company iFixit has also examined the phone’s internal components using teardown footage, patents and CT scans. Its analysis suggested that a support component inside the hinge might fail to move into the correct position when the device folds, potentially placing excessive pressure on the flexible display. However, the proposed explanation has not been confirmed as the cause of the reported failures.
The reports come as Apple enters a foldable smartphone market already served by competitors such as Samsung, Huawei and Motorola. Although the iPhone Duo attracted strong demand after its launch, the complaints could affect customer confidence in the premium device. An out-of-warranty replacement of its internal display reportedly costs $999, nearly half the phone’s starting price, while Apple says affected customers can seek replacements through AppleCare.
About the Author
