Some iPhone Duo owners say Apple replacement phones are backordered after opening problems

Early owners describe stiff hinges

Jesse Dalton, who lives near Frisco, Texas, bought a Duo on launch day. After putting on a case, he said the hinge became very tight about halfway through opening the device.

A nearby Apple Store had a replacement available, Dalton said, and exchanged his phone in about 30 minutes. He added that he now pauses when opening it, waiting to see whether the hinge will catch again.

Another owner said she could not open her phone after picking it up from her nightstand. She said the device met a lot of resistance when she tried to open it like a book.

Replacement leaves one buyer waiting

The second owner took the phone to an Apple Store. She said staff told her they could not repair it and that replacement was the only option. Because the Duo is backordered, she does not know when she will receive another device. She described her situation as being stuck in limbo.

Expert points to screen layers

Lance Ulanoff, editor at large at TechRadar, said the folding screen contains several layers, including an OLED panel, glass, a plastic covering and a mechanical hinge. He said the ultra-thin glass could be the most fragile component.

Ulanoff said Apple’s acknowledgment of a small number of reports surprised him. He advised owners with a damaged Duo to contact Apple and recommended booking an Apple Store appointment rather than walking in.