iPhone Duo experiences intermittent touchscreen unresponsiveness and lag

I read Apple released a newer version of iOS 27.1 to replace the 27.1 version that the Duo shipped with. Is that newer version available in software update?

From MacRumors

The iPhone Duo ships with an initial factory version of iOS 27.1 preinstalled, but users are prompted to download a newer build of iOS 27.1 right away during the initial device setup.

Just a thought.

I’m experiencing the exact same issue on both the inner and outer screens. I recently had a previously scheduled Genius Bar appointment for an AirPod replacement and took the opportunity to inquire about the problem. Fortunately, the issue actually occurred while I was there, so the Apple Genius was able to witness it firsthand. I was told that it should be resolved in an upcoming software update.

I’m not sure if anyone else has experienced this, but I’ve also noticed another strange glitch on the larger display where app icons occasionally show incorrect labels. For example, the Instagram icon will appear, but the label underneath says “TikTok.” The issue typically resolves itself after I close and reopen the device, but I figured it was worth mentioning in case others are experiencing something similar.

update: i called apple support and they ran a diagnostic on my phone. if you haven’t updated to the newest software, do that. but if you did and the problem is still there (like for me) they told me to do a setting reset. has been working great ever since, fingers crossed! worth trying :)

Have you tried to force restart the iPhone to see if the issues persist

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button (the volume button nearest the side button on iPhone Duo).
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button (the other volume button on iPhone Duo).
3. Press and hold the side button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.

This issue started on my outer screen only since yesterday after installing the jeTech outer screen adhesive cover. I noticed the outer screen glitching and stopping the swipe of any kind. Was able to utilize my inner screen absolutely fine. Since I’ve removed my outer cover , the screen seems to not lag or glitch at all. Haven’t tried turning on shift left edge feature yet with the outer cover on but I only started facing this issue since the installation of outer cover so just taking a wild guess. Hope this is just a software bug.

laramik wrote:

Having the same problem. Received my phone on the 23rd, this just started today.

Take it to the Apple Store for diagnostics. Most regions have a 14 day return policy for any reason when purchased from Apple, so that is something you may want to consider depending on what the diagnostics has revealed.

If the restart recommended by WheelieNick doesn't fix it then I'd return it to Apple.

This has been happening to me as well, so I've done a ton of research on this and tried everything to fix it. It gets better for a bit, then gets worse again. I'm having all the issues described here, and I will have apps exit as if I'm swiping out of them when I'm in the middle of texting/typing. Apple ran diagnostics and couldn't find anything wrong. I read somewhere that there is potential of the display ribbon being pinched in the hinge. Verizon is sending me a replacement device, so we will see if that fixes it, but it's super disappointing.

I’m having the same issue as well on the outer screen only. It’s happened a couple of times. Opening and closing the device seems to fix it. Hope it’s a software issue

Hello,

What you are facing is probably a software bug if there is no screen damage, although it has been reported by many users all around the world that the inner screen is showing green lines and breaking for no reason, and its not 1 report, but tens, if not hundreds. This may have to do with the touchscreen not responding. Apple realize the problem, and clearly state that you can take it to fix, and if it is a manufacturing defect, they will fix it or replace for free. ***

Thanks

 community

[Edited by Moderator]

I was having this same issue but only the outside screen was unresponsive, I just turned on the “shift left edge” option under display and brightness in settings and now it seems to be working fine

im experiencing the same thing with my iphone duo. restarting helps for a while but then the issue comes back again. i dont know if to go to the apple store to exchange my phone or if its just a software issue. i can click on things but not scroll, its very strange

Outer-screen only has occasionally been poorly touch-responsive. Mostly it's been when I go to close all my apps. I can swipe up successfully to expose all my open apps, but sometimes (?? 1 time out of every 20 maybe ??) it is then impossible to swipe up on a given app to close it. I have to open the phone and use the inner screen, which works perfectly every time. I've noticed a quasi-consistent pattern where this SEEMS like it gets the problem after I've just had the phone unfolded but then I've closed it again to work on the outer screen.

Less frequetly the outer screen won't scroll well or won't be very touch responsive when trying to click a link. I scanned in a QR code once and the link came up but it would not trigger when I touched it. Person next to me did the same and their link worked fine.

Guessing it's software, not hardware.

caroland91 wrote:

I suspect it might be a software-related issue rather than a hardware problem.

If there's a hardware problem with your screens or the folding mechanism then waiting for a software fix is a bit risky.

My Duo do the same thing. I kinda regret getting it. There’s a lot of glitches with this phone that affects the way I like to use my phone. For $2,000 and the glitches the phone has. I feel like we got, GOT!

Having the same problem. Received my phone on the 23rd, this just started today.

Same issue. Call list disappears. Phone screen freezes. Keyboard disappears when searching for something. Not very happy after spending £2k. Hugely disappointed and considering returning the Duo.

Thank you for your help! Yes, I’ve already tried force restarting my iPhone, and it does temporarily fix the issue. However, after some time, the problem comes back again. I suspect it might be a software-related issue rather than a hardware problem.

Yes, actually, when I turned on my phone for the very first time, it prompted me to update iOS 27.1 during the initial setup. I’m assuming that’s the newer version you’re referring to. Unfortunately, even after installing that update, I’m still experiencing the same issues.

Got my iPhone Duo today, and I’m already experiencing the same issue with the front screen. It randomly becomes unresponsive, forcing me to press the side button and unlock the phone again using Touch ID. Really hoping this is just a software bug and not a hardware issue.

Same here, the outer screen is very laggy for me. Cannot swipe it between pages, or control center is completely frozen up that I can’t adjust screen brightness. Already force restart but it will come back. Inner screen works fine.

Having the same issue.

just got home from a walk outside where it is cold and the phone was in my pant pocket. Front screen totally unresponsive but the inside screen has zero issues (what I am using to type this response). Hope 27.2 fixes it.

it makes sense why you think this is so annoying, and it is true, but keep in mind, this is a first generation apple product, its apples first shot on this, surely there will be lots of issues, I am not saying its not annoying, but all I am saying is that this is a first gen, lots of errors will take place before its actually good.

magsafe4_creator wrote:

There are rumors Apple will recall the iPhone duo, so just be ready for anything.

Under the terms of these forums you shouldn't post rumours here, especially scaremongering ones like this. A quick search of the web revealed no such rumours.

BriceG wrote:

My Duo do the same thing. I kinda regret getting it. There’s a lot of glitches with this phone that affects the way I like to use my phone. For $2,000 and the glitches the phone has. I feel like we got, GOT!

Good grief man, return it for a full refund and buy a Samsung or Pixel fold. What’s your problem?

I’m experiencing the same problem with th outer screen since I got my iPhone duo yesterday ! Don’t know what to do and whether it’s a hardware or software problem! But this is so frustrating !!

I am having the same issue. It only affects the outer screen. The internal screen seems to work fine. Button pushes work but swiping of any kind fails.

Hi there,

I’m experiencing the exact same issue as described by most in the other comments.

I’m on the latest firmware possible.

Thanks!

yep I think it’s software

Or when texting on the outer display screen and the “A”, “Q”, numbers button, and capital arrow button on the keyboard don’t respond, potentially tied to this