Bloomberg said more than six iPhone Duo customers reported display failures, including cracks around the fold, raising early questions about the durability of Apple's first foldable phone.
Bloomberg said it substantiated the accounts with images of damaged phones and records showing contact with Apple support. Customers described damage near the fold; some said the phone crunched or felt obstructed when they opened it. Other reports included bright lines, a white patch or different display faults. Some customers also told Bloomberg they had trouble arranging replacements when store appointments or inventory were unavailable.
Apple introduced the Duo as its first foldable iPhone on Sept. 9, and availability began Friday, Oct. 23. The inner display measures 7.6 inches. Apple said its hinge was designed to support the display at its center.
In its teardown, repair firm iFixit placed reported breaks near the junction of the display-cable gap and hinge support. It raised the possibility that movement of the center bar could leave extra strain near the fold, but presented that as a theory rather than a confirmed cause.
Apple told 9to5Mac it was aware of an inner-display issue affecting a small number of Duo units. It gave no affected-unit count or cause in the statement. Apple advised customers experiencing display problems to contact AppleCare for a replacement.
