iPhone Duo owners report screen cracks as Apple confirms display glitch

Owners of the new foldable iPhone are reporting cracks in the device's screen, as Apple confirmed an issue with a small number of units. Reports of cracks have emerged on Reddit and social media platforms since the handset went on general sale globally on Friday. Experts said there had been too few examples to determine whether there was a more serious problem with Apple's first foldable device, which retails from $1,999 (£1,499).

Apple confirmed some devices had been affected by a display glitch, saying it was aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units and that users with display issues should contact AppleCare for a replacement. One user in Australia reported that their Duo had cracked within six hours of taking ownership, and said their local Apple store had replaced the phone immediately. The Guardian has been unable to verify the user's claims. Another user in Australia posted that they had heard almost a cracking noise on their handset, which resulted in a similar screen malfunction.

Apple believes the affected units are showing defects quickly after use, and said the response from early users had been incredibly positive. The company said demand had been nothing short of extraordinary for the iPhone Duo, its most high-profile product launch under new chief executive John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook in September.

Francisco Jeronimo, vice-president of data and analytics at IDC, said it was too early to tell whether the screen issue was significant and that this is quite common when a new product comes to market. Citing similar problems at Samsung in 2019, he said what matters now is how the company responds, and that Apple telling customers with problems to ask for a replacement is the right first step. Ben Wood, chief analyst at the research firm CCS, said he was taking a very cautious view of the Duo screen problem and that there was as yet no evidence of a more widespread issue with the device.