iPhone Duo ‘Crackgate’ explained: What’s causing screen cracks and how much repairs cost

Apple’s first foldable iPhone has barely reached customers, and some early buyers are already reporting broken screens. The iPhone Duo, which went on sale on October 23, is facing what social media users are calling ‘Crackgate‘. Several owners have shared pictures showing cracks along the inner display’s hinge, sometimes after just a few folds. For a smartphone starting at ₹2,99,900 in India, that is quite an expensive surprise.

According to reports from MacRumors, The Verge and 9to5Mac, complaints have emerged from multiple markets, including Australia, the US and China. The damage looks strikingly similar across several devices. Cracks appear along the central folding area, followed by bright white lines, black patches or sections of the display failing completely. The number of affected devices remains unclear.

iPhone Duo screen cracked within 6 hours of ownership
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u/Midnight_Slump in
iPhoneDuo

Some iPhone Duo screens reportedly cracked within hours

One Australian buyer claimed on Reddit that his iPhone Duo broke after approximately six hours of ownership and fewer than 20 openings.

Another buyer in Dallas reported that the hinge became unusually tight during the initial setup. After approximately four folds, the device reportedly made a loud popping sound and the screen cracked.

A third Reddit user reported discovering a black inner display within 24 hours, despite claiming the phone had never been dropped.

Several affected buyers say Apple replaced their devices free of charge, though some reported delays linked to replacement stock.

Didn’t even make it through setup before I had the screen crack
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u/leftyhyzer16 in
iPhoneDuo

Is the iPhone Duo hinge causing the cracks?

The exact cause remains unconfirmed. Early speculation points to a possible problem with a component inside the hinge that could press against the flexible display.

YouTuber CuriousHagi reportedly examined a damaged iPhone Duo and identified a broken connecting link inside the hinge mechanism. Marks found near the display support plate raised questions about whether internal components could be catching during folding.

These findings remain preliminary. Apple has not publicly confirmed a manufacturing defect or announced a recall.

How much could an iPhone Duo screen repair cost in India?

Apple’s listed out-of-warranty repair charges put an inner display replacement at ₹1,49,900. Eligible accidental damage claims under AppleCare+ cost ₹8,900 for the inner screen. But the optional AppleCare+ for iPhone Duo costs over ₹50,000; this is over and above the ₹2,99,900 cost of the base iPhone Duo.

Manufacturing defects covered under Apple’s limited warranty should qualify for service without an accidental damage fee, subject to inspection.

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As everyone is dealing with FOMO to get Apple’s latest folding iPhone, ‘Crackgate’ appears to involve a limited number of publicly reported cases. There is insufficient evidence to establish a widespread failure, though the similar damage patterns have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s first foldable phone.