Apple’s foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, has faced reports of screen problems just days after its release. Social media users have claimed that cracks are developing along the middle of the device’s display, where the crease runs.
Apple acknowledged Monday that some iPhone Duo devices have screen problems and said it would replace affected units. Meanwhile, iFixit published a teardown of the device, revealing details about its hinge design that could help explain the reported screen cracks. The do-it-yourself repair group also described the Duo as the most repairable foldable device it has tested, although opening it up would still be difficult.
According to Emily Stallings, co-founder of phone accessories brand Casely, sudden changes in how a foldable phone opens, closes or displays content should never be ignored.
“One of the biggest things I’d encourage foldable phone owners to pay attention to is how their device feels when they open and close it,” Stallings said. “If a hinge suddenly feels much stiffer than usual, you notice unexpected resistance, or you hear a cracking sound, don’t keep forcing it open to see whether the problem goes away. Foldable phones are designed to open and close repeatedly, so a sudden change in that movement is worth investigating. Continuing to apply pressure when something doesn’t feel right could potentially make an existing problem worse.”
Stallings also identified several warning signs that could indicate potential screen or hinge problems.
A stiff or resistant hinge
A foldable phone’s hinge should move relatively consistently. If it suddenly feels unusually tight, catches at a particular point or requires noticeably more force than normal, it could indicate that something is not functioning as expected.
Unusual cracking or popping sounds
Several reports of iPhone Duo failures have involved owners hearing unusual sounds while unfolding their devices, followed by visible screen damage. Although not every sound necessarily indicates a fault, a sudden cracking, popping or crunching noise, particularly when accompanied by resistance, should not be dismissed.
Lines, spots or other display abnormalities
Some affected iPhone Duo owners have reported bright lines, white patches and other display abnormalities around the folding area. Unexpected lines, dark spots, flickering or sections of the screen that stop responding could indicate a display problem.
Changes in how the phone opens or closes
A foldable phone that suddenly stops opening fully, appears misaligned or develops an unusual gap when closed may be experiencing a mechanical problem.
Stallings also recommended several everyday precautions to help protect foldable phones.
Users should check the inner display before folding the device shut. Small objects trapped between the two halves can create concentrated pressure when the phone closes. They should also take extra care around sand, dust and other debris, which can affect the moving components of a foldable phone’s hinge.
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Users should avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the inner display. Unlike the rigid glass screens found on conventional smartphones, foldable displays are designed to bend and may be more vulnerable to damage from excessive pressure.
Stallings also advised users to ensure that their accessories are suitable for foldable devices and to avoid repeatedly testing a hinge that feels unusual. If a phone develops resistance, makes unexpected noises or shows signs of display damage, users should stop forcing it open or closed and seek professional assessment.