The reported iPhone Duo screen failures, quickly dubbed "Crackgate" online, have sparked debate over whether owners should purchase additional AppleCare+ protection or rely on Apple's standard one-year warranty.

'Crackgate' raises concerns among iPhone Duo buyers

Shortly after the iPhone Duo went on sale, some owners reported unexpected problems around the hinge area, with the inner folding display developing cracks or suffering other damage.

Images shared on social media quickly attracted attention, particularly because the Duo represents Apple's first generation of foldable iPhones.

Although several theories have emerged about the possible cause, Apple has said the issue affects only a small number of devices.

The company has advised customers experiencing problems with their iPhone Duo displays to contact AppleCare support for assistance.

For customers who have spent a substantial amount on Apple's new foldable phone, however, the possibility of screen damage within the first few days of ownership remains troubling.

Such a failure could mean more than the inconvenience of being without a phone. It could also result in a repair bill approaching or exceeding $1,000.

That is why AppleCare+ has become a major consideration. While the standard warranty covers eligible manufacturing defects, an extended protection plan can substantially reduce repair costs for accidental damage.

How does AppleCare+ differ from Apple's one-year warranty?

Customers purchasing an iPhone Duo or another Apple device directly from Apple or an authorized retailer receive a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support.

The standard warranty primarily covers manufacturing defects, defective batteries and technical problems for which the manufacturer is responsible.

Accidental damage, including drops, impacts and broken screens caused by mishandling, is generally not covered by free warranty repairs.

To reduce these risks, customers can choose AppleCare+ or AppleCare One.

These extended protection plans provide access to repairs at substantially lower service fees than standard out-of-warranty prices.

Depending on the plan selected, coverage may also include theft and loss protection.

For iPhone Duo owners, the most significant difference concerns the cost of repairing the folding display.

Without additional protection, replacing the inner screen could cost nearly $1,000, equivalent to approximately half the price of the foldable iPhone itself.

How much does AppleCare+ cost for the iPhone Duo?

According to the published pricing cited in the report, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage for the iPhone Duo costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.

Customers can purchase coverage when buying the device or enroll within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone.

Apple also offers AppleCare One, which may be more attractive to customers who own several devices within its ecosystem.

AppleCare One Individual costs $19.99 per month and covers up to three eligible Apple devices, provided they are no more than four years old.

For example, a customer could protect an iPhone Duo, Apple Watch and iPad under the same plan without paying a separate monthly subscription for each device, subject to eligibility requirements.

AppleCare One Family, meanwhile, costs $49.99 per month and supports up to six members of a Family Sharing group and their eligible devices.

One limitation is that AppleCare One is available only through monthly payments, unlike AppleCare+, which also offers an annual payment option.

For households with several Apple products, AppleCare One could therefore offer better value.

Customers who only want to protect their new foldable iPhone may find AppleCare+ a more straightforward way to manage potential repair expenses.

How much can AppleCare+ save on iPhone Duo repairs?

The main financial advantage of AppleCare+ is the substantial reduction in repair costs for some of the most expensive types of damage.

Even with coverage, customers may still need to pay a service fee for certain repairs.

Those fees, however, are considerably lower than the corresponding charges without a protection plan.

The figures highlight why damage to the inner folding display is such a major concern.

If an iPhone Duo experiences a screen failure similar to those reported in the "Crackgate" controversy, an owner with AppleCare+ could pay a $99 service fee, compared with a reported $999 repair charge without coverage, provided the damage qualifies under the plan.

That represents a difference of $900, enough to offset a substantial portion of the cost of AppleCare+.

For theft or loss, the applicable protection plan allows customers to request an iPhone Duo replacement up to twice within a 12-month period, subject to the relevant terms and conditions.

The precise benefits depend on the type of coverage and Apple's policies in each market.

Extended warranties and protection plans are not necessarily worthwhile for every smartphone buyer.

For a less expensive device, customers may prefer to accept the risk of accidental damage and pay for repairs only if needed.

The iPhone Duo, however, presents a different calculation.

As a first-generation product with a complex folding display and potentially very high repair costs, it carries financial risks that buyers may want to consider carefully.

Reports of cracked screens appearing almost immediately after launch have made the decision about additional protection particularly relevant.

Consider a customer who purchases an annual AppleCare+ plan for $199.99 and subsequently needs an eligible inner display repair costing $99 in service fees.

The combined expense would be approximately $299.

Without coverage, the same repair could cost $999.

In that scenario, the customer would save roughly $700, even after accounting for the full annual AppleCare+ subscription.

Of course, the actual value of the plan depends on whether the phone develops a problem, what caused the damage and whether the repair is covered under Apple's terms.

A manufacturing defect covered by Apple's standard warranty may qualify for a free repair without AppleCare+, making it important to distinguish between defective hardware and accidental damage.

Buyers should also review coverage exclusions carefully rather than assume that every cracked screen will automatically qualify for the same reduced repair fee.

For customers concerned about potentially expensive accidental damage, AppleCare+ could offer meaningful financial protection. But it should be viewed as a way to manage repair costs, not as a substitute for the manufacturer's responsibility to address defects covered by its standard warranty.

The following table shows the reported US repair costs for the iPhone Duo, in USD.

Hai Phong