"Crackgate?" iPhone Duo Reports of Screen Cracks at the Hinge Pile Up From Launch Day

What happened

Right after launch, many owners said the inner display cracked along the hinge, the part that lets the phone fold. The reports came from the United States, Australia, China and other countries, mostly through social media and Reddit. Apple appears to be replacing some broken phones at Apple Stores right away. Apple has not yet said how big the problem is or what causes it.

Key facts

• Launch date: October 23, 2026.
• Reports came from the US, Australia, China and other countries.
• In one case, a user said the screen cracked with a loud sound after fewer than 20 opens and closes.
• In one extreme case, the screen cracked while the phone was being set up.
• Phones under normal use are covered by the maker's warranty for 1 year from purchase.

What might be causing it

Many cracks run in a vertical line down the middle of the hinge. Some screens also show a thin white line on the right side. Users think a hinge part may have shifted slightly and is pushing the inner screen up from below. Others point to pressing the middle of the inner screen when closing the phone. Apple has not given any special way to open or close the display.

Why it matters

Folding phones are new, so some early problems are common. Still, the cracks happen without a drop or hard hit, which makes people worry about the design. Some buyers say Apple charged them for repairs, even though they did nothing wrong. Because the number of phones sold is not public, it is hard to know how common the problem really is.

What to watch

• Whether Apple explains the cause or gives official advice on opening and closing the phone.
• How many cases are reported as sales grow.
• Whether Apple changes its repair policy or charges fewer customers for damage.
• Whether the problem leads to a software fix or a hardware change.