Apple acknowledges iPhone Duo screen failures in small number

Apple says a small number of its first foldable phones have inner-display problems after customers reported cracks concentrated near the hinge. The company said most iPhone Duo units are unaffected and advised customers experiencing display issues to contact AppleCare for a replacement. Photos and videos posted by owners show damage along the screen’s fold, including bright lines across the display. Some customers have described hearing a crack or pop while opening the phone. The number of affected devices and the share of units sold have not been established. One buyer in Australia told Bloomberg the display cracked about six hours after purchase, after fewer than 20 openings. The customer said there was no visible external damage beforehand. Apple replaced the device at an Apple Store. iFixit’s teardown offers possible explanations, but does not establish the cause of the failures. Its model of the hinge and a simulation suggested that a central support bar might not drop far enough, potentially creating a stress point near reported break locations. In a separate powder test, debris reached moving hinge parts, which began to make a crunching sound during use. The repair...