Repairing an out-of-warranty inner screen on the iPhone Duo carries a hefty $999 price tag. According to iFixit's leadership, manufacturing inconsistencies or even microscopic debris could compromise the fragile display panel. The precise cause remains undisclosed by Apple.

The tech giant has now publicly acknowledged problems with the inner display affecting a subset of iPhone Duo devices. The company is offering replacements to impacted customers via AppleCare.

Apple distributed an identical statement to multiple news outlets on Monday, including CNBC, as reported by Kif Leswing and MacKenzie Sigalos. This announcement came in response to user complaints about display failures that surfaced over the weekend.

We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement.

Apple

In communications with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple stated that the majority of Duo units remain unaffected by this defect, which Gurman shared on X. According to the company, affected phones typically exhibit the problem shortly after initial activation.

Apple's official statement does not specify the root cause or the total number of impacted devices. For those without warranty coverage, Apple's support documentation lists the inner-screen replacement cost at $999. The Duo itself begins at $1,999.

A problem at the hinge

Users have reported seeing bright streaks emanating from the hinge area across the inner display. Several customers reported screen failures occurring within hours of unboxing. One Reddit user documented a failure that occurred before the device completed its initial setup process.

iFixit disassembled a Duo unit over the weekend and has pinpointed the hinge as the likely culprit. Kyle Wiens, iFixit's chief executive, outlined the suspected mechanism in a post on X.

The hinge is actually dozens of parts, with ludicrous precision. A manufacturing variance or grain of sand can kill the fragile display panel it protects.

Kyle Wiens

Apple points to apps

Apple highlighted positive feedback from initial purchasers and noted that software developers are actively adapting their applications for the device.

The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps to take advantage of its unique form factor.

Apple

The company also rolled out iOS 27.2 on Monday, which introduces Apple Pencil compatibility to the Duo, as Emma Roth documented for The Verge.

The Duo became available in retail locations on Friday, following a preorder phase that sold through its entire initial allocation in minutes on 16 October.

Source: The Next Web