iFixit Explores the iPhone Duo: Uncovering the Mystery Behind Broken Screens and Hinges
In line with its usual practice, iFixit has conducted a detailed teardown of the newest iPhone, revealing several intriguing observations regarding its construction. One notable finding is how Apple appears to conceal the crease on the Duo’s folding display, ultimately giving the device a repairability rating of 5 out of 10. While this score may not sound particularly impressive, it stands as the highest rating the site has awarded to any foldable device to date.
The internal screen features a matte nano-texture cover that not only enhances visibility in bright conditions but also assists in camouflaging the crease by diffusing reflections. Under microscopic examination, iFixit discovered oval-shaped subpixels oriented at different angles, which they believe are intended to minimize visual distortions and further obscure the crease in the display’s center.
The nano-texture layer on the outside is relatively straightforward to replace without needing to change the underlying OLED. However, repairing the display itself can prove to be quite challenging, akin to other foldable models, resulting in a costly ordeal. While some dust has infiltrated the USB-C port, speaker openings, and hinge—creating a somewhat gritty feel—there was noticeably less dust intrusion compared to the Z Fold8 or Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Regarding incidents of damaged displays and cracked hinges, iFixit offered some insights. The hinge on the iPhone Duo is quite intricate, and it is suspected that components may occasionally fail to function as intended. An accordion cable is positioned near this area, close to the battery, which could be concentrating stress and leading to the reported “audible crack” and broken screens. Apple has not responded to requests for further information on the matter.
