Crackgate controversy: iPhone Duo's fragile foldable design under scrutiny

Last updated: October 27, 2026 | 12:12

The iPhone Duo is seen on display during the iPhone Duo launch at the Apple Fifth Avenue store on October 23, 2026 in New York City. AFP-MICHAEL M. SANTIAGO

A foldable screen almost never fails at random: When it breaks, it breaks along the fold, because that is the one strip of the phone asked to do something glass normally cannot.

That is why the early iPhone Duo reports look so alike. Apple’s first foldable went on sale on October 23 at $1,999 (Dh8499 in UAE) and up. Within days, owners were posting photos of inner screens cracked along the center line of the hinge. On October 26, Apple said it was aware of an issue on 'a small number' of units and told affected owners to contact AppleCare for a replacement.…