Apple users are canceling iPhone Duo pre-orders following reports of inner display cracks and chassis assembly gaps in the company’s first foldable phone. The device, which launched Oct. 23 with prices ranging from nearly $2,000 to $3,000, is facing scrutiny over its durability and build quality, PhoneArena reported. The Duo is the first major product rollout under new Apple CEO John Ternus and represents the company’s biggest bet in years.
Inner displays crack near the hinge
Early adopters report that the iPhone Duo’s inner screen can break down the middle near the folding hinge, leaving a visible line across the display. CBS News cited one owner, Jesse Dalton of Frisco, Texas, who said his device broke before he could finish the initial setup process. Dalton, who paid about $800 for a 512-gigabyte model after an AT&T trade-in promotion, noted the full retail price was around $2,200.
Another user, Roneshia, reported her screen cracked less than 24 hours after purchase, according to CBS News. While Apple told CBS News it is aware of the issue impacting a “small number” of units, the electronics repair site iFixit suggests the cracks are likely caused by defective hinges.
Did you know? The iPhone Duo’s folding screen is a complex stack consisting of an OLED panel, glass, a plastic covering, and a mechanical hinge, according to TechRadar editor at large Lance Ulanoff.
Assembly gaps expose internal components
A second issue, dubbed “Gapgate” by users, involves improperly assembled chassis. Reports on Reddit show units with gaps around the sides or the hinge large enough to reveal the phone’s internal structure. PhoneArena notes these gaps can compromise the device’s IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
The iPhone Duo’s spine lacks the protective dust caps used by Samsung in its Galaxy Fold devices since 2019. This design choice may allow sand and debris to enter the body of the phone, potentially causing internal damage. In a TIME interview, Ternus had described early foldable phones as feeling kind of cheap and crappy
, though some of those earlier devices had already solved the design issues Apple is now facing.
Apple instructs store technicians on replacements
Apple has issued an internal memo to Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers providing guidance on diagnosing and addressing the display cracking, according to MacRumors. The memo instructs technicians to repair or replace affected units following standard procedures.
In a public statement shared with MacRumors and CBS News, Apple stated that most units are not susceptible to the issue and that defects typically appear quickly after usage. The company has not launched a public repair program or a recall.
| Issue | Reported Symptom | Apple’s Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Crackgate | Lines appearing down the middle of the inner screen | Affects a “small number” of units; contact AppleCare |
| Gapgate | Visible gaps in chassis and hinge | No official public statement on chassis gaps |
Pre-order cancellations increase
The combination of hardware failures and limited app support has led some customers to cancel their orders. PhoneArena reports that users are fearing the receipt of “bad units.”
Pro tip: TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff recommends that owners with damaged devices make an appointment at an Apple Store rather than walking in to ensure a faster replacement process.
iPhone Duo hardware questions
What should I do if my inner screen cracks?
Apple advises users to contact AppleCare for a replacement. According to MacRumors, technicians are instructed to inspect the device and replace it per standard procedures.
Does Apple offer a recall for these issues?
No. Apple stated to MacRumors that there is currently no recall for the iPhone Duo, nor has a dedicated public-facing repair program been launched on its website.
Why are there gaps in the chassis?
While Apple has not provided a specific reason, the gaps are attributed to a lack of engineering solutions, such as dust caps, which competitors have used to prevent debris from entering the hinge.
The iPhone Duo launch follows a foldable market established in 2019, when Samsung released the first commercial foldable phone.
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