Survey: Nearly 40% of iPhone Duo Buyers Back Out Over Screen Durability

Nearly 40% of people who had planned to buy Apple's foldable iPhone Duo have withdrawn from a purchase, citing screen breakage and durability concerns, according to a survey published by Android Authority on November 5, 2026.

The outlet surveyed 2,093 people between October 26 and October 30, 2026. The survey asked respondents about the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone, which was released in October 2026.

Industry analyses cited by the outlet trace the screen damage to the hinge, not to a manufacturing error. TrendForce said display teardown analysis pointed to the central support not contracting sufficiently, causing unintended contact and localized stress concentration. iFixit said damage is concentrated near where the flex cable gap meets the central hinge support, and that simulation showed stress concentration points near the breakage locations.

The findings suggest the damage may be an inherent product limitation, caused by the hinge's central moving part pushing up the inside of the screen or uneven support pressure, according to the industry analysis.

Apple has admitted the fault and promised free replacement, but lacks replacement stock, and the free replacement ends when the warranty period expires. Out-of-warranty repair costs about $1,000.

Pressure from rivals and suppliers

Before launch, Apple's decision to design its own display and hinge raised production and quality concerns, and low Foxconn yields were reported. After launch, screen breakage cases spread in Korea and abroad, and Samsung Electronics' official Saudi Arabia social media accounts posted a video mocking the issue.