Apple has released new directives for its retail outlets and authorised service providers regarding the handling of reports related to cracking of the inner display on the iPhone Duo. Technicians have been instructed to inspect affected devices and carry out repairs or replacements in accordance with the company’s standard service protocols. This decision follows numerous reports of screen damage from early purchasers of Apple’s inaugural foldable smartphone.

According to a report from MacRumors, this guidance was disseminated via an internal memo to Apple Stores and authorised service centres earlier this week. Apple has characterised the issue as affecting only a limited number of iPhone Duo units. Previously, the company had advised customers experiencing display problems to reach out to AppleCare for potential replacements.

Apple has also emphasised that the majority of units are functioning without issues and that the defect appears to manifest relatively soon after usage. This clarification aims to reassure customers while addressing the concerns raised by some users.

Details of the Display Cracking Reports

Reports of display cracking began emerging shortly after the iPhone Duo was delivered to customers. Some users have shared images showcasing cracks and bright lines forming along the inner display, particularly near the central hinge. One notable case reported by MacRumors involved an iPhone Duo owner in Australia who experienced a cracked screen after fewer than twenty openings, despite no visible damage being present beforehand.

While Apple has not provided a definitive explanation for the cause of this issue, an initial teardown analysis conducted by the repair website iFixit suggests a potential problem with the hinge mechanism. The team employed teardown footage, patents, and CT scans to create a 3D model of the hinge and compare it with the reported damage.

iFixit posits that a central support bar within the hinge may not be retracting correctly when the device is folded. This malfunction could exert excessive pressure on a small section of the inner display, leading to cracks. However, it is important to note that this remains a speculative explanation, as Apple has not officially confirmed the cause of the cracking.

Repair Challenges and Costs

The repair website iFixit also highlighted that addressing the inner display issue of the iPhone Duo is not a straightforward task, even though it rated the device as the most repairable foldable smartphone it has examined. The provisional repairability score assigned by iFixit is 5 out of 10, indicating moderate difficulty in repairs.

Furthermore, iFixit noted that an out-of-warranty screen repair could amount to $999 in the United States, which is approximately Rs 94,817. This significant cost may deter some customers from pursuing repairs, particularly if they are not covered by warranty.

At this time, Apple has not initiated a recall or established a separate public repair programme to address the cracking issue. Instead, the company’s latest guidance instructs technicians to adhere to existing inspection and repair procedures. Affected customers are encouraged to contact AppleCare or visit an authorised service provider to have their devices evaluated.

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