iPhone Duo hinge cracks may affect thousands of units

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman warns that Apple’s description of the problem as a "small number" could still mean thousands of iPhone Duo units with a hinge defect that can crack the inner display.

Gurman says he verified some reports personally, seeing devices and evidence that suggested the damage occurred during normal use before he published his piece. The reports most commonly describe the hinge feeling unusually tight on opening, followed by a crunching sound and a crack running along the center and right side of the inner screen. Apple has acknowledged the issue but gave no exact figure when calling it a "small number" of affected units.

Hinge theories and Apple response

Both Gurman and iFixit point to the hinge mechanism rather than the display panel. iFixit's teardown proposed two potential causes: a center support bar that may not be lowering fully as the phone closes, and curved guide rails that could be rising into the panel. Either scenario would apply pressure to the screen from underneath in the areas where most cracks appear. iFixit described these as theories, not a confirmed diagnosis, and Apple has not officially identified a root cause.

Gurman also pushed back on social-media dismissals that labeled the reports as user error, AI fakes, or exaggeration, saying the examples he reviewed came from real customers and real devices that failed during normal use. The issue stands in contrast to early reports about the Galaxy Z Fold 8, where owners noticed slight sinking at the inner-screen corners; Samsung said that sinking reflected a cushioning structure by design, not a defect. The suspected Duo hinge fault would not affect Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Pixel 11 Pro Fold owners because it appears specific to the Duo's hinge design.

Apple is replacing affected units and advises customers to contact AppleCare for service. Apple has stated that AppleCare+, the paid extra plan, is not required for this repair. Availability of replacement stock may be limited, so owners who encounter a hinge that feels stiff should expect possible waits for a replacement.

Apple's recommendation: contact AppleCare for a replacement if the hinge feels unusually stiff; Apple says AppleCare+ is not required.