ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is facing durability concerns after some users reportedly discovered cracks in the device’s inner display near the folding area.
The reports have raised questions about the phone’s hinge mechanism, a critical component that allows the device to open and close. However, the exact cause of the reported damage remains unconfirmed, and Apple has yet to issue an official statement.
According to MacRumors, users have shared images and complaints showing cracks around the hinge area of the inner screen. The issue has informally been dubbed “Hinge-gate” on social media, although there is no official confirmation of a design or manufacturing defect.
In a separate report, AppleInsider described durability tests conducted by YouTuber Curious Heggie. The tests included exposing the device to dust and applying pressure to the hinge in the opposite direction.
During testing, the phone reportedly became difficult to close. When it was opened again, a cracking sound was heard, followed by the appearance of a crack on the inner display.
An inspection of the disassembled device reportedly revealed a broken component inside the hinge mechanism, connected to its upper section. Marks near the component and on the display suggested that contact or pressure from an internal part may have contributed to the damage.
Similar images have reportedly emerged from China and other markets, showing bright lines and cracks near the screen’s central folding area. However, the total number of affected devices remains unclear.
Technology experts caution that isolated reports and preliminary tests are insufficient to establish a widespread design flaw. Further technical investigations and an official response from Apple are needed to determine whether the problem is linked to the hinge mechanism, manufacturing, or other factors.
For now, the reported screen cracks remain an unconfirmed durability concern, with no official explanation from Apple.
