Apple has issued new instructions to its retail stores and authorized service providers on handling the iPhone Duo’s inner display cracking issue. The guidance comes days after the company acknowledged reports of damaged screens on a small number of its newly launched foldable iPhones.
According to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple has asked technicians to inspect affected devices and repair or replace them under standard service procedures. The company maintains that most iPhone Duo units are unaffected and that the problem generally appears shortly after customers begin using their devices.
Apple Issues Instructions for iPhone Duo Screen Repairs
The internal guidance follows several reports of iPhone Duo screens cracking along the hinge. Some owners noticed bright vertical or horizontal lines across the folding display, while others reported unusual resistance or popping sounds immediately before the screen failed.
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Apple previously addressed the complaints in an official statement:
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 announced a recall or introduced a dedicated public repair program. Customers experiencing the issue can contact AppleCare directly, including those who purchased their devices through carriers. AppleCare+ coverage is not required for replacements related to this defect.
What Is Causing the iPhone Duo Display to Crack?
The exact cause remains unconfirmed, although an iFixit teardown identified a possible problem with the hinge mechanism.
Repair specialists suggested that a central support bar inside the hinge may fail to retract correctly during folding, potentially placing excessive pressure on the flexible OLED display. However, Apple has not confirmed whether this component is responsible.
For now, affected owners should arrange an inspection through Apple Support rather than repeatedly opening a device that feels unusually stiff. Replacement availability may vary depending on local inventory.
Apple has not disclosed how many iPhone Duo units are affected or whether it plans to make changes to the hinge assembly.
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