Shortly after the iPhone Duo's launch, users began reporting cracked screens, particularly around the hinge area. Social media posts showed similar damage patterns, with cracks appearing above the hinge and lines on the right side of the display. Apple has acknowledged the problem, stating it is replacing affected units, though it has not disclosed the extent of the issue.
Shahram Mokhtari, a teardown expert at iFixit, has identified the likely cause as a stress point near the hinge. The inner screen, already delicate, is pushing against a part of the hinge mechanism, which includes gears, springs, and joints. This contact could lead to cracks, especially if the hinge doesn't fully support the screen during folding.
Mokhtari explains that the hinge's design creates several edges where the flexible inner screen could be stressed. In some cases, the center support bar may not fully drop, creating a 'hot spot' that leads to screen damage. Users have reported feeling and hearing a crack when the device is opened, which aligns with the observed damage patterns.
While Apple claims the issue affects a 'small number' of units, Mokhtari suggests that foldable screens are inherently fragile, and a 'certain number' of failures are expected. He notes that Apple may not recall the devices but warns that if the problem persists, a recall could be necessary. Mokhtari also predicts that Apple will likely redesign the problematic components in future iterations of the foldable iPhone.