iPhone Duo screen cracks may be caused by hinge pressure, Apple acknowledges

Within hours of the iPhone Duo launch, users reported cracks on the inner screen near the hinge, with damage patterns consistent across multiple devices, The Verge reported.

Apple acknowledged an unspecified "issue" with the iPhone Duo screens and stated it is replacing damaged units, but has not disclosed how many phones are affected, according to The Verge.

iFixit's lead teardown technician, Shahram Mokhtari, explained to The Verge that the problem likely stems from the hinge mechanism, which uses gears, springs, and joints to allow the device to close flat while minimizing the crease on the screen.

At a specific point on the hinge, the flexible and delicate inner screen appears to be pushed upward against a hinge component, creating a stress hotspot that can lead to cracks, especially since the screen is highly sensitive to pressure or sharp objects, The Verge detailed.

Social media images of damaged iPhone Duos often show a black spot or crack near the hinge area, supporting the theory of mechanical stress causing the damage, The Verge added.