Hinge damage suspected to be behind iPhone Duo screen cracks

The cause behind a repeating pattern in the way a very small amount of iPhone Duo screen cracks may have been discovered, with a failing element of the hinge believed to be causing the most damage.

Since the launch of the iPhone Duo, there have been sightings of cracked screens within hours of its release. While infant device failures are to be expected for major product launches, there is an consistency in the way that the screen itself is cracking.

Observing videos such as the JerryRigEverything "test" and posts to Reddit show the screen cracks in a fairly typical manner when under stress. In quite a few instances, the fault develops at the crease line and spreads out horizontally to the edge.

The expectation is that it's the screen itself cracking during the bend, but there's also another component that may be the cause. If a video by YouTuber CuriousHagi is to be believed, it may be caused by a faulty hinge.

During his own testing, which involved a lot of dirt and stressing the screen by folding the hinge backwards, he tried to close the iPhone Duo, but it wouldn't shut. He then tried opening it back from its partially-closed state, only to hear a loud snap.

Like other instances, the screen shows a large white issue from the crease to one of the sides. However, the YouTuber went one stage further and took apart the damaged iPhone Duo to find out what caused it.

After ripping off the display, he closely inspected the hinge mechanism and discovered an element that had sheared at the same location as where the screen crack originated. It appears to be a hinge element that connects to an upper support plate.

It's pointed out that the hinge in question is a little thinner than the hinges above and below, making it more likely to break. Also, a further check on the hinge shows heavy crush marks on a nearby mechanism that may have played a part.

The underside of the display also has what appear to be an impact mark, probably caused by the broken hinge element making contact. The most logical result is that the hinge failed to mesh correctly, the section sheared, and then hit the display, cracking it.

Still a small-scale problem

While there are reports of screen failures, as well as a commonality indicating they're suffering from a specific issue, it is still a limited problem for Apple. There's no major online outcry as yet for screens breaking in a particular way.

That said, so far after launch, it's still a very small-scale issue.

On October 24, AppleInsider checked with sources we have worked with for over 15 years, inside Apple Genius bars at seven stores. Four of those stores are major flagships.

At that time, none of the stores we polled had seen any devices in for service or returned because of broken screens. A secondary check late on Sunday revealed there is only one instance across all of the stores.

The number will increase over time, but it's not yet clear if the per capita will. So far it's not as widespread of a problem as the sensationalist videos propose.

As a reminder, it's not advised to abuse the hinge of the iPhone Duo by bending it backwards, even in curiosity, unless you're prepared to pay for repairs.

And, if yours breaks, report it to Apple. They do not listen to Reddit, or social media.