Apple has told iPhone Duo owners affected by the device’s inner-display cracking issue to contact AppleCare for a replacement, but the phone’s severe supply constraints are making those replacements difficult to obtain for some customers.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says limited iPhone Duo inventory has complicated the process for affected owners, with some Apple Stores unable to provide an immediate swap because they simply do not have replacement units available. Gurman discussed the issue in the latest Power On newsletter.
The problem creates an unusual situation for Apple. The company has already acknowledged an inner-display issue affecting a small number of iPhone Duo units and has instructed customers experiencing the fault to seek a replacement, but the same launch shortages that have made the foldable difficult to buy are also limiting the number of devices available for swaps.
Apple has issued internal repair guidance to stores and authorized service providers, with technicians told how to identify and handle affected devices. The company has said the issue tends to appear relatively quickly on impacted units rather than developing gradually over time.
Some customers have been able to receive replacements without difficulty, while others have reportedly found that their local store has no stock available. Gurman said AppleCare may offer better options in some cases than attempting an in-store swap.
The shortage is not surprising given the unusually constrained iPhone Duo launch. Apple reportedly sent around 80 percent of its initial iPhone Duo inventory to physical stores, while online delivery estimates moved months into the future shortly after preorders opened.
The Apple Post has also been tracking live retail availability for customers still trying to buy the device. Our iPhone Duo stock guide explains how to check nearby Apple Store availability.
Apple says the display problem affects only a small number of devices. The company first acknowledged the issue after early owners reported cracks appearing along the inner display near the hinge.