iPhone Duo Launches with Praise for Design but Immediate Hinge Cracks and Software Gaps

Key points

• The iPhone Duo launched on October 23, 2026, with a price tag of $1,999 and a 7.6-inch inner display paired with a 5.4-inch outer screen.
• Early users in the U.S., Australia, and China reported inner screens cracking along the hinge after fewer than 20 folds, with some devices failing within six hours of ownership.
• Apple published support documents covering hinge troubleshooting, Touch ID adjustments, and case compatibility, but did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the cracks.
• Reviewers praised the device’s smooth hinge and nearly invisible crease but criticized its 254-gram weight, 11.3-millimeter thickness, and inferior camera performance compared to the iPhone 18 Pro.
• Software optimization remains uneven, with many third-party apps displaying black bars or failing to utilize the full screen, and multitasking is restricted to a fixed 50-50 split without floating windows.

Background

Apple’s iPhone Duo is its first foldable smartphone, featuring a complex 100-part hinge made from 3D-printed Grade 5 titanium. Previous coverage noted that while the hinge withstands high-stress tests, the crease becomes more visible after 10,000 folds. The device also introduced a Touch ID system with an intentional delay for unlocking, which some reviewers found frustrating compared to Face ID. Apple had warned retail staff that walk-in availability would be limited due to severe supply constraints.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac focused on Apple’s release of support documents for hinge issues and case adjustments, framing the launch as a standard rollout with ongoing documentation. The Verge and MacRumors emphasized the immediate hardware failures, highlighting Reddit posts of screens cracking after minimal use and questioning the durability of Apple’s first foldable. The New York Post provided a broader review synthesis, noting that while critics like Engadget and Wired praised the design, others like The Wall Street Journal criticized the device for lacking iPad-level productivity and having inferior cameras. MacRumors suggested that some failures might be due to user damage or demo units, while The Verge noted that Apple replaced broken devices on the spot but did not comment publicly.

Why it matters

The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s entry into the foldable market, competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Early hardware failures and software gaps could impact consumer confidence in Apple’s first foldable, especially given the high price and repair costs. The device’s success will depend on how quickly Apple addresses hinge durability and how developers optimize apps for the new form factor.

What to watch

Apple is expected to continue publishing support documents for the iPhone Duo over the coming days. The company may issue a public statement or software update to address hinge issues and app optimization. Consumers will likely monitor for further reports of hardware failures and wait for third-party app developers to adapt to the device’s unique screen layout.