Apple has announced it will replace iPhone Duo devices that are experiencing screen problems, just days following the much-anticipated release of the smartphone. The device, which has a starting price of £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK, has been spotted in social media posts showing lines appearing on its screens.
The tech giant acknowledged that it is aware of “an issue impacting the inner display on a small number” of the iPhone Duo units and encouraged users affected by this problem to reach out for a replacement.
The launch of the Duo, which drew large crowds at Apple stores worldwide last week, is part of the company’s strategy to revitalize its device lineup and compete against foldable models from other manufacturers. Some users have reported additional issues, such as cracks forming along the screen’s central crease and unusual crunching sounds when opening the device.
One iPhone Duo owner, Justin Lokos, shared a photo displaying lines on the right side of his screen and later posted an image of a replacement device he received from an Apple store in New York, expressing his gratitude for the assistance.
The full extent of the issue is still uncertain, as Apple has not disclosed the number of affected devices. Additionally, some images depicting faulty units might have been generated using artificial intelligence.
The Duo features a 7.6-inch (19.3cm) inner display, which is joined by a central hinge—a complex engineering challenge that has led to similar issues in foldable devices from competitors. For instance, Samsung’s first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, faced significant issues when it launched in 2019, with reviewers reporting broken screens.
