Apple customers say their folding iPhones are cracking
Vertical and horizontal lines appearing on screens of £2,000 Duo device, according to social media complaints
Apple customers have complained of cracks appearing across the screens of their new foldable iPhones.
The US tech giant said it was aware of an issue affecting “the inner display on a small number” of iPhone Duos, after dozens of customers reported problems following the £2,000 smartphone’s launch earlier this month.
Images shared on social media showed vertical and horizontal lines across screens. Videos suggested the cracks appeared after the phone was folded.
One customer wrote on X: “There are so many cases of it on Reddit where it’s breaking in the exact same place.”
Another said: “There is a defective part in the hinge causing pressure on the screen, causing it to break in this exact way.”
The faults have been dubbed “crackgate” on social media.
Apple told customers with faulty devices to contact it for a replacement.
The cracks are a setback for John Ternus, Apple’s new chief executive, who took the helm at the $5tn company earlier this year.
Many investors expect Mr Ternus, a mechanical engineer, to restore a focus on innovative products at the US tech giant.
He had run Apple’s hardware division for the last five years and oversaw the team that developed AirPods, the now ubiquitous white, wireless headphones.
The Duo had already faced some criticism for not having a zoom camera like the iPhone 18 Pro. It is also double the price of the iPhone 18 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Apple’s iPhone Duo comes eight years after rival Samsung launched its own foldable device. That too was beset by technical issues. Many early versions of the device broke when unfolded.
Customers complained that half of the £1,800 Samsung Galaxy Fold’s screen began flickering on and off, or stopped working altogether.
An Apple spokesman 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.”