Buyers of Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, are reporting a serious issue online with their purchase. All reports demonstrate a common pattern of a vertical and a horizontal line appearing on the inner display as a result of a potential hinge malfunction.
Image source: scary_duck23 (Reddit)
According to these reports, at some point after the purchase of the phone, the hinge felt unusually stiff and opening the phone required some effort. When the user pushed past the resistance, a popping or cracking sound was heard from the hinge, and a permanent vertical and horizontal line appeared on the inner display. All reports online, many of which are on the dedicated iPhone Duo subreddit, show the exact same pattern of a vertical line down the middle and a horizontal line emanating from it on the right half of the folding screen.
Image source: Vishnu_RK (Reddit)
Among the users, some have been using the phone for a few days before the issue occurred. Others had it happen to them within hours of using the phone. For their part, the users claim that they didn't try to tamper with the device or use it in any unusual way, with many claiming prior experience with foldables.
Understandably, the users have also gotten in touch with either Apple directly or through their carriers for a solution. Apple has offered to replace the devices, but most users have not been able to secure a replacement due to limited availability of the device at the time of writing, especially for the 1TB and 2TB variants.
Image source: Bitter_Offer7123
As of now, it's difficult to state with any certainty what the root of the issue is. However, considering all reports state some form of resistance from the hinge before it eventually pops and damages the display, it's quite likely that that's where the problem lies. The issue is likely limited to a select batch of devices, as most users, not to mention reviewers who have been using the device for a lot longer, have not reported this problem.
Apple iPhone Duo
| 256GB 12GB RAM | € 2,299.00 | £ 1,999.00 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | € 2,549.00 | £ 2,199.00 |
| Show all prices |
If you have this problem, make sure you reach out to Apple support with your concern so you can secure a replacement at the earliest.
Via: iPhone Duo subreddit