Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone Amid Strong Demand and Early Screen Damage Reports

Apple released its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday in stores worldwide with prices starting at nearly $2,000, drawing long lines of eager buyers alongside early reports of hardware failures.

The device went on sale globally in cities including New York, Beijing, Sydney and London, with online delivery estimates pushing out to January within minutes of pre-orders opening last week.

The launch marks a major test for Apple as it enters the foldable device market years behind competitors like Samsung and Huawei, while also serving as an early challenge for new chief executive officer John Ternus.

“This is the first true innovation Apple have had in years,” said Peter Ingram, a chief technology officer visiting from London who planned to buy the device.

Within hours of unboxing, early adopters on social media reported that the inner display cracked along the hinge, prompting concerns about the build quality of the ultra-premium hardware.

According to Tom's Guide and BigGo Finance, one Australian user heard an audible crack after folding the phone fewer than 20 times within six hours of use, and later received a replacement at an Apple Store.

Repair site iFixit and YouTuber Zack Nelson tested the device and found that dust could infiltrate the hinge mechanism, potentially causing mechanical stress and display failures.

“The iPhone Duo failed my durability test,” said Nelson, noting that sand in the hinge prevented the phone from closing fully and a reverse bend test broke the inner screen.

Apple has not yet issued an official statement regarding the durability complaints or the exact cause of the reported screen damage.

Teardown analysts suggest the issues could stem from pressure, trapped particles, or stress concentrations near the hinge and accordion cable.

It remains unclear how widespread the hardware issues are and whether Apple will adjust its manufacturing or retail replacement policies as more devices reach consumers.