After days of viral reports about the iPhone Duo's inner screen, Apple has publicly acknowledged the problem.
In a statement provided to Mashable, the company said it is aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a "small number" of units.
"The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor,” Apple said. “We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement."
The statement doesn’t say what’s causing the problem, how many units are affected, or whether Apple plans a broader fix. Apple appears to have sent the same statement to several other outlets covering the reports. Still, it’s the company’s first public acknowledgment of the problem.
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The Duo has drawn plenty of attention as Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It sold out almost immediately when pre-orders opened Oct. 16, with some delivery estimates stretching into January 2027. But early owners have found that it’s very much a first-generation device, and the display reports are just one of several complaints.
Beyond durability, users have flagged a few other issues, as reported by Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder. First, as JerryRigsEverything points out, the protective matte screen on the foldable dulls its color and vibrance, and it picks up heavy glare. The FaceTime camera, as Schroeder notes, is bad for photos, with Apple leaning heavily on AI processing that can leave selfies looking plasticky and smudged. Finally, many apps aren’t yet optimized for the Duo’s inner display, including Apple’s own App Store — though Schroeder reported that he expects app developers to catch up within the next month.
Durability concerns had been building before the display reports went viral. YouTuber Tim Pan ran the Duo through 10,000 folds in a folding machine, plus another 1,000 at -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Before-and-after images from the test spread online, appearing to show a much deeper crease.
Samsung seems to be enjoying this. While the Korean tech giant hasn’t taken any direct shots at the Duo, at least not officially, its Samsung Mobile US account has been playing reply guy under iPhone Duo posts on X. One reply simply read "mogged. respectfully."
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Cringe looks-maxxing speak aside, Samsung is getting plenty of free marketing out of the Duo’s rocky start. The company is now on its eighth-generation Galaxy Z Fold. Although its foldables went through their own early durability problems, Samsung has had years to refine the hinge, crease, and display that Apple is only attempting for the first time. Every viral post about a cracked Duo screen is, in effect, an ad for the competition.
If your Duo’s inner display is showing problems, Apple recommends contacting AppleCare for a replacement.
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