First iPhone Duo screen failures surface as Apple publishes hinge support documents

The Verge reported that a few units already had broken screens. Based on Reddit posts about the affected phones, the failures appeared at a similar spot: on the inner screen along the hinge, with a bright line or lines across the right side of the display. One user wrote that after about six hours and fewer than 20 openings, the phone made an audible crack as it was opened and the screen broke along the hinge. The user said there were no marks or damage on the inner screen surface or the external hinge to suggest anything had been caught or damaged, and that an Apple Store replaced the phone with a brand-new one on the spot. A separate post included an image of another broken screen and a comment with a video showing yet another. Apple did not immediately reply to a request for comment, The Verge said.

Separately, 9to5Mac reported that Apple published several support documents on launch day covering hinge troubleshooting and other topics, including Touch on iPhone Duo. Apple's hinge document addresses cases in which the device won't open or close completely, unexpected noise while opening or closing, a loose hinge, a bent or broken hinge, and enclosure damage that affects hinge operation.

Another document describes software accommodations for a case that partially covers the left edge of the outer display. After the case is applied, a message appears with an option to adjust the screen size; users can follow the onscreen instructions or later open Settings, tap Display & Brightness and turn on Shift Left Edge, which shifts outer display content to accommodate the front portion of the case.

9to5Mac said Apple will likely continue adding support documents in the coming days.

Editor's Summary

The iPhone Duo launched Oct. 23 with early reports of inner-screen breaks along the hinge, including one unit replaced at an Apple Store. Apple also published support documents addressing hinge symptoms and display adjustments for cases. Apple had not immediately commented on the reported screen failures.