Apple's Foldable Flops: Hinge Failures Plague Duo Screens

Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, launched with considerable fanfare and a $2,000 price tag. However, some early adopters are encountering a critical hardware issue shortly after purchase. Reports indicate that the "precision-engineered" hinge mechanism is causing damage to the internal OLED display within hours, or even minutes, of use.

The affected screens develop bright lines and dead pixels, a common sign of OLED panel damage. The issue appears to stem from the hinge's internal structure. Investigations suggest a potential mechanical misalignment within the hinge support bar, which may fail to properly accommodate the display's fold, creating stress points.

While Apple has not yet issued an official statement, iFixit's teardown points to a specific hinge component potentially becoming stuck. This continuous pressure on the OLED panel results in permanent damage. This echoes early problems seen with other foldable devices, highlighting the inherent challenges in this smartphone form factor. Customers experiencing this issue have reportedly sought replacements at Apple stores, though availability may be limited.