Owners of Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, reported cracks in its inner screen, prompting the tech giant to confirm that a small number of devices face display issues.
Reports of screen damage surfaced on Reddit and social media platforms following the global launch of the USD 1,999 device on Friday.
Apple acknowledged the defect and advised affected customers to contact AppleCare for immediate replacements.
The company stated that the issue impacts only a minor fraction of the units and appears shortly after initial use.
One Australian user reported hearing a loud crack along the hinge within six hours of purchase, causing a white strip of light to cover half the display.
Local Apple staff replaced the device immediately, though independent verification remains pending.
Similar reports of hinge noises and display failures emerged from users in the United States and India, according to Bloomberg.
Despite the glitch, Apple described early consumer demand for the handset as extraordinary, with current stock sold out globally. The iPhone Duo marks the first major product launch under Apple's new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September.
Industry experts urged caution, noting that initial defects are common with new hardware categories and praising Apple's prompt replacement policy.
-SA