iPhone Duo Crack Reports Emerge After Malaysia Launch

Owners outside Malaysia are reporting inner display cracks on Apple’s new foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, days after its 23 October 2026 launch. The device starts at RM9,499 in Malaysia and went on sale here on the same date.

Affected users have shared photos online showing identical damage patterns. Most reports come from Australia, the United States, China and India. No verified cases from Malaysian buyers have been confirmed at the time of writing.

The issue follows a consistent pattern across reports. Users state the hinge felt unusually stiff before opening produced a popping or cracking sound. Affected screens typically show a vertical line down the centre and a horizontal line on the right half of the folding display.

Some owners reported damage occurring within hours of purchase. One Australian user posted on Reddit that their device failed after fewer than 20 openings over approximately six hours. That owner received a replacement at an Apple Store.

Warranty Coverage

Apple’s one-year limited warranty should cover hinge failures from normal use, according to MacRumors, PCMag and Tom’s Guide. If Apple determines the fault stems from a manufacturing defect rather than accidental damage, repairs or replacements should be provided without charge.

Customers who experience cracks, unusual hinge resistance or audible snaps during routine folding should document the damage with photographs and contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store immediately. Proof of purchase is required.

Malaysian buyers also have access to a 14-day return window from receipt if they choose to exchange or return the device, subject to conditions at the point of sale.

Repair Costs

Without AppleCare+ coverage, out-of-warranty repair fees for the iPhone Duo are among the highest Apple has published globally. Secondary reporting from Malaysian outlets before the crack reports emerged indicates inner display repairs could cost approximately RM4,749, while the maximum “other damage” charge may reach RM7,119.

These figures require verification directly with Apple Malaysia or an Apple Authorised Service Provider, as official Malaysian pricing has not appeared on Apple’s public support pages.

With AppleCare+ at RM1,499, the service fee for inner display damage reportedly drops to RM469, and outer screen or back glass damage fees fall to RM139. This plan extends coverage to two years and includes unlimited accidental damage incidents with fixed service fees.

The disparity between insured and uninsured repair costs means the AppleCare+ premium could recover itself after a single claim.

Replacement Availability

Limited stock availability compounds the issue for affected buyers. GSMArena reported on 25 October that customers seeking replacements face constrained device availability, particularly for the 1TB and 2TB variants.

This constraint applies globally regardless of whether the fault qualifies for warranty coverage. In some cases, Apple Stores have provided immediate replacements, while others have cited parts shortages without restock dates.

In Malaysia, the iPhone Duo launched through one Apple Store at TRX alongside carrier partners and premium resellers. Low Yat reported on 16 October that initial pre-orders sold out within an hour of opening, with new orders now estimating delivery dates pushing to January 2027.

Walk-in purchases at the TRX store were not allocated stock on launch day according to Soyacincau, meaning buyers must order online or hope for limited retail availability.

Teardown Findings

Independent repair experts at iFixit performed a teardown of a damaged iPhone Duo, according to AppleInsider on 26 October. They identified a hinge component that had sheared at the same location where screen cracks originated. An impact mark on the underside of the display suggested the broken hinge piece struck the folding screen.

This explanation remains a theory. Apple has not confirmed the root cause of the crack reports, and the Apple Post noted on 23 October that no evidence yet establishes a widespread defect.

Contradictory durability data exists. PCMag reported on 25 October that CNET’s custom folding machine passed more than 55,000 cycles without cracking. However, YouTuber JerryRigEverything demonstrated dust entering the hinge despite the IP68 rating during a deliberate bend test, resulting in permanent display failure.

These conflicting signals indicate first-generation foldables carry real durability risks, though the actual failure rate remains unclear.

What Prospective Buyers Should Consider

Three factors warrant attention before purchase.

First, the out-of-warranty inner display repair cost approaches half the base model price. This creates significant financial exposure for a first-generation product.

Second, AppleCare+ reduces that risk substantially but requires an upfront investment of RM1,499. Buyers should calculate whether transferring repair risk justifies the premium based on their usage patterns and risk tolerance.

Third, replacement availability faces documented constraints in Malaysia. Turnaround times may exceed expectations for other iPhone models due to limited local retail footprint and supply chain pressures.

The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s entry into the foldable category after years of development. Early adopters accept inherent uncertainty with any first-generation device. Those prioritising cutting-edge technology should weigh whether the repair exposure and replacement delays align with their comfort level.