Apple's acknowledgement
On October 26, Apple acknowledged an issue affecting the inner display of "a small number" of iPhone Duo units and said it is offering replacements through AppleCare (iClarified). If you think your phone is affected, contact Apple Support or book a Genius Bar appointment, and back up the phone first.
What reviewers saw
Launch reviews described the crease as hard to notice when you look at the screen straight on, helped by the nano-texture finish, while some reviewers said it remains visible at an angle and under side light (Macworld review roundup). Video posted on October 20 also showed the inner screen flexing at the hinge when pressed.
How it changes with use
In published fold tests, Joanna Stern's team folded a Duo more than 32,000 times and found the hinge became stiffer, and a separate lab test reported the crease deepening after about 3,000 folds (MacRumors). iFixit's teardown pointed to the area where a flex cable meets the central hinge support as a potential weak point (MacRumors).
What service costs
- Inner display: $999 without AppleCare+, $99 with it (Apple's fees via MacRumors).
- The nano-texture cover layer on the inner display is replaceable on its own: $49, or $19 with AppleCare+ (MacRumors).
- If your fault matches the issue Apple has acknowledged, ask about the replacement before paying for a repair.
Looking after the inner display
- Avoid pressing on the fold.
- Keep grit off the inner screen, and close the phone before putting it in a pocket or bag.
- Use only a protector made for the iPhone Duo's inner display.
Common questions
Is the crease a defect?
No. Every book-style foldable has one. A line, crack, flicker or lifting cover layer is different, and worth taking to Apple.
Will the crease get deeper over time?
Published fold tests suggest it becomes more visible with heavy use. We'll update this page as long-term reports come in.
