Apple acknowledges screen defects in initial iPhone Duo units

The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foray into the foldable market, has faced immediate scrutiny since its October 16 launch. While pre-orders were robust—pushing delivery estimates into January 2027—early adopters have reported significant durability concerns. Beyond the screen cracking, users have criticized the device’s matte protective layer for heavy glare and muted color reproduction. Additional complaints focus on the FaceTime camera’s aggressive AI processing, which often results in artificial-looking selfies, and a lack of app optimization for the unique display, including within Apple’s own App Store.

Durability skepticism preceded these reports, fueled by independent stress tests. YouTuber Tim Pan subjected the device to 10,000 folds, revealing a pronounced crease that deepened significantly under testing. Meanwhile, industry rival Samsung has leveraged the situation to its advantage. Despite being on its eighth-generation Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung has utilized its social media presence to mock the Duo’s rocky debut, effectively positioning its own mature folding technology as the reliable alternative. For now, Apple offers no broader fix, leaving hardware replacement as the only recourse for consumers experiencing display degradation.