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Apple Alerts Stores About iPhone Duo Display Cracking
Confirmed
In Short: Apple has issued an internal memo to its stores and service providers about a display cracking issue affecting a small number of iPhone Duos.
Apple issued an internal memo to its stores and service providers about a display cracking issue affecting a small number of iPhone Duos, according to reports.
The iPhone Duo, launched on October 23, is Apple's first foldable smartphone, priced starting at $1,999.
Apple said in a statement that the issue affects only a small number of devices and that most Duo units are not susceptible.
Apple has not initiated a recall or public repair program, but early adopters have been able to get replacements in-store.
The amount of time it takes for the cracking to happen varies, but it typically occurs soon after usage.
Apple stressed that early feedback on the iPhone Duo has been very positive, with developers quickly updating apps to take advantage of its folding design.
Background
Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, marking a significant shift in hardware strategy.
Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.
What's confirmed
- Update : Apple says it is aware of an issue affecting a small number of iPhone Duo units.
- "If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement." Apple says on its website that an inner-screen repair will be $999 for iPhone Duos that are out of warranty.
- In a memo shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, and later obtained by MacRumors, Apple provided technicians with guidance on how to diagnose and address the iPhone Duo's inner display cracking issue.
- Apple said there is no iPhone Duo recall, and the company has yet to launch a public-facing repair program on its website for this issue.
- We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units.
What's still developing
- Following the iPhone Duo launch on Friday, a number of owners are reporting that their inner screens have cracked and broken on their own (top image via scary_duck23 on Reddit ).
- While the reports are concerning, it is worth remembering that Apple has probably shipped hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of units already and only a small percentage of people have had their phone break on them.
- From what we’ve seen so far, most buyers experiencing this problem have been able to return to the Apple Store and get a straight device replacement.
- We’ve seen about ten unique instances so far, with many posting their (similar) experiences on the iPhone Duo subreddit.
- In terms of why this is happening, there is a working theory that a batch of iPhone Duos have a defective hinge component.
- Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, hit store shelves on Friday to considerable lines and long wait times for preorders.
- "A manufacturing variance or grain of sand can kill the fragile display panel it protects." Breaking screens have been an issue with foldable phones going back to 2019, and have been seen as one of the major roadblocks to the technology's widespread adoption.
- While the instructions themselves are straightforward, the fact that Apple issued an internal memo suggests the issue is widespread enough to warrant official guidance.
- Siri AI improvements, Suggestions in Messages, Apple Music rebrand, and more.
- Almost immediately after the iPhone Duo began arriving to customers a week ago, a handful of early adopters reported that the device's inner display had cracked, resulting in lines appearing down the middle and towards the right side of the screen.
- However, Apple has yet to comment on the underlying cause of the issue.
- If you’re going to see your new precious affected by the current screen cracking issue, it’s likely not going to surprise you months down the line.