Maybe folded it 4 times, hinge got tight and then made a loud pop when I pushed past it

UPDATE: for anyone following this, immediately went to ATT to see what I should do. They recommended going to Apple as doing a replacement through ATT would put me at the back of the order queue in January. Drove down to the Dallas Apple Store and they thankfully had one in stock and swapped it out immediately, no charge.

They said they have Genius Bar stock of these for any potential defects like this. Also said I was the first one they had seen in person today so not as widespread an issue as it seems. Don’t know if that makes me lucky or unlucky but thankful they would get it resolved same day.

UPDATE #3 & FINAL: I took Verizon up on their offer to return it under warranty. An exchange would have put me into January for receiving a new one. I thought about going back up to Apple with this post and give them the chance to make this right one more time with all the evidence I’ve since gathered of it being a widespread issue. But it’s 45 minutes drive one way. I have a family and more to do than lose anymore time over a stupid phone. I’ll wait for the next gen because this experience just seems like a sign I shouldn’t double down. I get that it likely wouldn’t happen again but I’m not waiting 3 more months to find out.

——

UPDATE: Spoke with Verizon on the phone and went to a corporate store. The corporate Verizon store told me if I were to get a replacement it wouldn’t come until months from now. As per the solution with another poster with this issue, I went to Apple. They inspected it and said it must have been dropped and even though I showed them all those posts of them breaking in the same way. They suggested I add insurance to it and make a claim. I’m flabbergasted. I guess I should wait and see if Apple addresses this before my Verizon return window is up?

UPDATE 2: Just adding extra thoughts and info since this has gotten way more exposure than I anticipated:

For those curious, I preordered the phone from Verizon on 10/16. I didn’t get it on launch day, UPS delivered it today 10/24. It’s a 512g Star White.

I’ve been on this sub since they announced the phone. Discussed cases and was really caught up in the hype. I’m an Apple lover, have owned their products for 13+ years. I SAW other peoples phones breaking since receiving them yesterday and thought, “that’s a rare flaw, or even more assuring, operator error!”.

I casually used this phone for 3 hours. I opened it maybe 20 times tops. I only opened and closed it like a book, taking extra care to never press on the crease. I went to open and I felt the dreaded resistance everyone else with a broken one reports (felt perfect every other time before this). I closed it and tried very gently to open it again and was met with the resistance again.. Tried to close and open it one more time, and on the 3rd time, at about the halfway point of opening it there was a pop and the display looks as you see it pictured.

I get it, there’s going to be issues with a brand new product. That’s okay dude. What’s a huge disappointment is that at my local Apple Store (Jacksonville FL) claimed it was damaged/dropped and that I needed to put Apple Care on it and make a claim. The Genius I spoke with even got condescending with me saying it’s a new device and it’s fragile and these things should be expected with new technology and that’s why I should insure it. I told him in my 13 years of iPhone ownership I’ve never needed it. This isn’t an accident, it’s a defect and is happening all over the world. I showed them the numerous examples online. They tried to say my damage looks different with the black spot. So then I found examples with the black spot and the lines and they said, well maybe they dropped it too? They were hard in denial and I wasn’t getting anywhere. I wasn’t trying to Karen out and cause a scene so I left.

I can return it to Verizon as defective according to their corporate store. They can exchange it and I’ll be at the back of the queue for a new one (so February or later). I know I won’t be stuck with the phone. I’m sure either a recall is coming or just give it back to Verizon.

Overall a huge let down. It was so cool for the 3 hours before it broke. It’s first world problems. I still have my 15 Pro Max I was going to Trade In but obviously I’m holding out on that. For those of you with perfect units, I’m so genuinely happy for you! For those of you who haven’t gotten yours yet… odds are you’ll be fine. But I also wouldn’t blame you if you decide to hold out for Duo 2 at this point!

Update: Finally, I received my unit and after going through few hours of using the device I can confirm that the replaced device is absolutely fine!!

The sale staff and I did some rigorous folding attempts to test it before it is accepted.

I really need to shout out two names, Mr. Sam and Mr. Francis, who helped me get my device and the entire Aptronix team who searched and found a device. I am happy that even as an APP, you helped me a lot where Apple did not even step in or apologise. Also thanks to everyone for the comments.

The only thing I need to point out is the poor support I received from Apple. When I talk to the support vide Mr. Brajendar from Apple Support, he just denied support stating my purchase was not from the Apple Store. May be it is true that, they are now only supporting customers who buy from Apple Store. So what about people who do not live in a city where there is no Apple Store. He did not even properly took the case and even case id was not shared over email. But AptronixIN pitched and helped me!!

I really want no other Duo owners to have my experience and if unfortunately you end up having this issue, do not hesitate to contact me to get any sort of help or guidance. I am attaching a service report for reference on this issue.

I am not much active and use only to raise concerns and complaints. So I could not respond to DMs and comments, but will try to answer those but expect a delay.

PS: I am writing this tweet from my iPhone Duo 😬

Issue: My iPhone Duo also cracked at the hinge and I am from India. My seller Aptronix (PMC Chennai) worked hard to get me a device and it is transit. This should be investigated and Apple should take proper care. I think there are a lot of unreported cases and I am not sure what Apple’s plan is.

In India, Apple support just denied stating I bought from their reseller partner and they will arrange the replacement for me. I had the issue on day one after not less than 20 folds. I was setting up my device and suddenly this happened. I am not a first-time fold user. I have been using folds from Fold 6 and my latest fold was Fold 8 Ultra. So opening and closing is all just organic for me.

If you plan to buy please go ahead and the store will help if you encounter this issue as this is wide spread. I can answer questions here in case you are worried about. The only problem is getting a replacement unit, I need to trade of with colour for my replacement unit as Night Sky was not available.

My device Manufacturing month says 09/2026. I will update once I receive my replacement unit today.

Sorry it’s in Korean but very explicite 😇👇

https://youtu.be/wtP7Q9Io90I?is=DDYNgpcAcqKjJ0q_

Had the duo for 8 hours so far, and absolutely loving it. New form factor is great, the extra width when typing on the outer screen means less typos, and the nano texture display is a beaut.

Obviously lots of talk of the crease. The phone comes flat in the box, and I couldn’t see any sign of a crease. None at all. After about 8 hours of use, and probs about 50 folds, this is how it’s looking.

No concerns, looks great straight on - and it’s a foldable after all!

Edit: After about an hour wait at the Apple Store, they came out with a new phone and replaced for free. They said they reserve a few units on launch day for things like this. Here’s hoping my 2nd unit is flaw-free!

Got in line just before 6am this morning. Walked out with device in hand around 10:30. Less than 7 hours later…

I went to open it and didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary until it was fully open, then felt the impact. I am using the folio case - I’m not sure if it got snagged on the case or what. I certainly understand being an early adopter of a first-gen product comes with risks…but I was just opening the phone, man. Devastated is the word that comes to mind.

Compilation

Both screens are made by Samsung, but the matte coating Apple applied limits the colors the screen can actually produce.

pic via : TechWiser

The guy was setting his up in store, didn’t even finish the setup process before this happened.

Edit: To be clear I’m not trying to start any craze or whatever. I have my preorder, I still want the device.
Just interesting to note that this seems to be a production error that is popping up.

I’ve been seeing Reddit posts and haven’t seen Apple publicly acknowledge the hinge issue so I decided to contact Apple through iMessage. Apple is apparently aware of the hinge issue. They are offering device swaps on the spot or returns.

Take what you want from this. Just posting my chat with apple support.

A few posts on Reddit isn’t representative of the truth worldwide. People canceling based on this are weird. You knew you were getting a first gen product…

People don’t typically post their positive experiences.

I feel like the amount of work that went into this review and not to mention the useful information we got is an order of magnitude above everything else we’ve got from other reviewers.

Edit for the downvote crowd: guys, I was blown away by this video, hence my overenthusiasm, don’t accuse me of trying to promote a 3 million subscribers YouTuber whom I thought is already well known in the tech community 🙏

This is hands down the best product Apple has ever made. I legitimately cannot describe how happy I am with it coming from a Pro Max. Here’s why:
1. The phone when it’s CLOSED might actually be the best part.
This is the one I wasn’t expecting. Coming from a Pro Max, I’d basically resigned myself to the idea that phones were never going to be comfortable to use again. They’d gotten too big, too bulky, and using one comfortably with a single hand was a thing of the past.
Not anymore.
The closed Duo fits absolutely PERFECTLY in your hand. Suddenly, all the buttons are exactly where they should be. I can navigate my entire phone one-handed without constantly adjusting my grip or stretching my fingers.
It’s genuinely like rediscovering what a comfortable phone feels like. I cannot overstate how much I love this.
2. The extra width makes typing SO much better.
I can finally type at full speed without sounding like a complete idiot when I hit send. 😂
The slightly wider keyboard has practically eliminated my fat-finger typos. Everything feels smooth as butter. I don’t have to consciously slow myself down or proofread every single message anymore.
It’s such a small change on paper, but the difference in everyday use is MASSIVE.
3. Touch ID is a complete nonissue.
This was honestly one of my biggest concerns coming from Face ID, but it’s turned out to be a total nothing burger.
Here’s the trick: Register a few different fingerprints, especially the part of your index finger that naturally rests against the sensor when you’re holding the phone closed.
After a very short adjustment period, unlocking becomes every bit as natural as Face ID. It’s practically flawless.
(Pro tip: Register another fingerprint for the way you naturally hold the phone when it’s unfolded.)
4. IT’S A GOSHDARN IPAD IN YOUR POCKET.
I mean, come on. 😭
I spent the entire day out and about using it closed, enjoying what finally feels like a normal, comfortable phone again.
Now I’m sitting at home with this absolutely massive screen, browsing, multitasking, watching content, and doing everything I’d normally want a tablet for.
IT’S A FREAKING IPAD. THAT FOLDS INTO YOUR POCKET.
I don’t know how else to describe how awesome that is.
Final thoughts:
I genuinely believe this is the best thing Apple has done with the iPhone in YEARS.
It’s literally the best of BOTH worlds.
Somehow, Apple managed to fix the problem of phones becoming ridiculously large and bulky while SIMULTANEOUSLY giving us the largest screen ever put on an iPhone.
Think about how crazy that is. They made the phone feel SMALLER and MORE comfortable while giving us MORE screen than we’ve ever had.
I expected to love the giant folding display. What I didn’t expect was to fall equally in love with how amazing the phone feels when it’s closed.
It’s not just a cool gimmick. It’s a genuine improvement to how I use my phone every single day.
Absolutely fantastic. Apple knocked this one out of the park.

Hardly had this for six hours, and the crease has this weird cracking discoloration black line showing up, called Apple support. they set up an express replacement. have no clue how long it’s gonna take for them to send me a replacement

Literally subreddit last 24hrs 🫣

I'm well aware of the novelty factor and it's only been around half a day, but first impressions: I didn't know how much I'd appreciate a large display I can fit in my pocket.

For context, I've been an iPhone user exclusively for 15 years and have never owned an Android. My whole digital and tech life revolves around iOS and the Apple ecosystem.

Taking a step back from the new and cool aspect, I've tried very hard to fit an iPad into my day-to-day life and just couldn't. I didn't like having to consciously think about switching to it and having to carry another device when out and about. And yes, like most people under 30, I'm a screen time addict (not proud, but man enough to admit it). With the Duo being my phone, I only have one SIM plan and can have a near-tablet experience at a flip's notice. I know I sound like a naive Apple fan boy, but as a first time user of foldables, I get the hype. Credit to Samsung for pioneering the category!

The crease really is well hidden. Again, I live in the Apple bubble, so for the first hour I was hyper-conscious of it when running my finger across the middle, but then realised I don't really touch that part of the screen in normal use. London has been grey all day, so I can't say how it looks in sunlight, but under normal and dim lighting the matte finish is really nice. It feels super smooth, like silk.

I'm surprised how many apps are already optimised, or at least partly optimised, on day one, and it'll only get better. Even with apps that aren't, the switch between open and closed is so seamless that it's not as much of a chore as I expected to close it and use the outer screen. I'm amazed at the continuity: mid-email or mid-message, changing state just works, with no weird delays or apps closing.

The cameras are good. I'm coming from a 17 Pro Max and I like taking nice shots, but they only ever end up on Instagram or sent to friends, so the Duo cameras are more than enough for me. I'm very much in the camp that a great photo comes down to the photographer and the shot, not the hardware. I'm also glad Apple went with a UDC on the inside to keep the experience uninterrupted. I've tested it on a few FaceTime calls and it honestly looks on par with, or maybe even better than, my MacBook Pro webcam.

Touch ID is great. There's obviously still a slight learning curve, and lots of weird facial expressions from me while my brain expects Face ID, but luckily my fingerprints are blessed and never cause any issues with the sensor. I also have an Apple Watch, and Auto Unlock works really well alongside it. Contrary to some reviews, I quite like the delay when using Touch ID because it lets me see my notifications first. If I want to go straight to something, I just let the watch unlock it.

Overall, I understand the hype. For me this is going to be nothing short of revolutionary (cringe, I know). I'll be able to do the things I already do, just more enjoyably: watching movies and shows, working on spreadsheets, watching Twitch and scrolling Twitter.

My final two cents (just a Reddit stranger who's into tech): people don't like to admit it, but if you're like me, a content consumption whore in the Apple world, this is the device for you. It's probably not for you if you have a top-of-the-line TV, you're into digital minimalism, or you're a content creator who vlogs. But for those who are like me, I promise that you will enjoy the Duo.

Not even 24 hours and the inner display cracked. Fook

Edit: for more context, I left it charging on my desk closed for 10 minutes before I needed to head out. Unplugged it and opened the phone to find the inner screen completely black. Restarted the phone and then I noticed some cracking on the hinge. This thing has never been dropped and I NEVER pushed the inner display when folding the phone back. Thankfully, Apple is going to replace it for free but I’m gonna have to wait a few days because they have no replacement units available.

Edit 2 to respond to repeating comments: Apple Genius Bar concluded that it was a bad panel. Oh well, it happens and no I’m not mad. Is it unfortunate that I get to be “lucky” to get the bad panel? - Yes it’s an inconvenience, and I guess this was to be expected as an early adopter of a first gen Apple product. My local store didn’t have a replacement unit for my exact spec, so they’re having another store in a neighboring state ship it out here. For the trolls claiming it is a user error—please relax or get slapped silly, because I am meticulous with my devices and have been working to ensure I close them gently and avoid pressing the screen. Out of all iPhones that I’ve owned since the 3GS, this was my first time dealing with a broken display on my personal device.

Edit 3: Apple called me today and asked me a bunch of questions to get more information of my issue and thanked me for being a $2000 beta tester lol.

Edit 4: Replacement unit came today and got it exchanged. What’s interesting is the replacement unit’s hinge feels lighter and easier to open than my original phone - even the Apple employees noted the difference in feel. Either way, fingers crossed this one will last much longer.

More for us!

The rest of us know what to expect. Thanks for moving our delivery dates up :)

With all the demand and drama around iPhone Duo preorders, I thought getting one on release day would be a struggle.
Called a store casually yesterday, and they offered me release-day delivery as early as 8 AM. Just like that.
They also said they have stock available for walk-ins, with no queue so far. Definitely wasn’t what I expected after seeing all the preorder chaos online.

While Jerryrigeverything will probably have a much more comprehensive test in the works, it looks like the nano texture helps a great deal to improve scratch resistance.

The creator (HTX Studio) applies quite a lot of force with his nail and credit card and does not appear to damage the screen at all.

So this definitely looks very promising compared to other foldables (such as the Galaxy Fold you see in the video). I think Apple made the right call with the nano texture.

Been rocking my iPhone Duo since launch day and haven’t had a single issue so far. Granted, I do tend to baby my electronics, so there’s that.

That said, I realize plenty of people experiencing issues have taken perfectly good care of theirs too.

I genuinely feel bad for anyone unfortunate enough to get a defective unit, especially considering what these things cost. Hopefully Apple takes care of everyone affected.

Just wanted to share a positive experience amid all the Crackgate posts. Not every Duo is cracking, and some of us are genuinely enjoying the hell out of ours.

Enjoying your duo? Good. Is there a potential issue with the screen? Likely. But I hate to see people feeling like they need to come in defense of these trillion dollar corporations. Especially given Apple had 7 years to learn from competitors to make an 'Apple worthy' product.

Edit: Folks asking GIF link https://i.postimg.cc/SxF1d8dp/duo-outer-right-reveal.gif

I picked up a relatively cheap Spigen case just to make sure I'll like the size, and it really is smaller than I expected. One handed use certainly won't be an issue for me on the outer screen. I do have fairly large hands though.