Apple tells stores how to handle iPhone Duo inner screen cracking reports

Apple has issued new instructions to its retail stores and authorized service providers on how to handle reports of inner display cracking on the iPhone Duo. The company has asked technicians to inspect affected devices and repair or replace them based on its standard service procedures.

According to MacRumors, the guidance was shared with Apple Stores and authorized service providers in an internal memo this week. Apple has described the problem as affecting only a small number of iPhone Duo units and clarified that the defect appears relatively soon after use.

Reports began appearing shortly after the iPhone Duo reached customers. Some users shared pictures of cracks and bright lines appearing along the inner display, particularly around the central hinge. In one case, an iPhone Duo owner in Australia said the screen cracked after fewer than 20 openings.

An early teardown by repair website iFixit points towards a possible issue with the hinge mechanism. According to iFixit, a central support bar inside the hinge may not be retracting properly when the phone is folded, which could put extra pressure on a small area of the inner display and cause it to crack. iFixit gave the device a provisional repairability score of 5 out of 10.