iPhone Duo Hardware Flaws Raise Durability Concerns
AI-generated image · US National Wire
A teardown of Apple's first foldable reveals complex hinge mechanics and potential pressure points linked to reports of screen failure.
A teardown conducted by iFixit, as The Verge first reported, has highlighted significant mechanical complexities within the iPhone Duo that may explain recent reports of cracking hinges and broken screens.
According to reporting from The Verge, iFixit identified an incredibly complex hinge mechanism that may not always descend properly. The analysis suggests that an accordion cable located near the edge of the battery passes over this specific area, potentially concentrating pressure on the device. This mechanical tension is cited as a possible cause for the "audible crack" experienced by some users.
While iFixit assigned the device a 5/10 repairability score—the highest the site has given a foldable to date—the internal display remains an "expensive nightmare" to repair. The device features a matte nano-texture cover and oval-shaped subpixels designed to mask the screen crease by scattering reflections and reducing artifacts.
Further observations noted by The Verge indicate that while the iPhone Duo fared better than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold or Z Fold8 regarding the intrusion of "glow dust," debris was still found within the speaker grills, USB-C port, and the hinge. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these findings.