iFixit tears down iPhone Duo, finds possible causes of early screen failures

iFixit has completed its teardown of the iPhone Duo and shared some intriguing insights about the device. The repairability score of the iPhone Duo is a commendable 5 out of 10, which is the highest score ever given to a foldable smartphone by iFixit. This provisional rating is contingent on the availability of replacement parts. The most significant aspect of the teardown is undoubtedly the intricate hinge mechanism, which Apple's patents had hinted at for years.

The hinge comprises gears, springs, and interconnected metal joints, along with a waterdrop design that allows the display to bend without folding too sharply. Apple also incorporates curved guides to control the movement of the joints, reducing stress on the display as the phone opens and closes. However, the teardown also brought to light some potential causes of early screen failures reported by iPhone Duo owners.

Many users have experienced a crunching sound accompanied by bright lines on the inner display while folding or unfolding the device. These failures seem to predominantly occur around the transition between the cable connection area and the central hinge support.

Further analysis using CT scans, teardown footage, and Apple's patents revealed a 3D model of the hinge, which suggested that a central support bar may not be retracting properly, leading to excessive pressure on the display. Additionally, the curved rails guiding the hinge's movement could potentially interfere with the screen if they fail to move as intended.

Other notable findings include the iPhone Duo's matte nano-texture display, which Apple claims helps hide the crease by scattering light. Under a microscope, the team discovered a surface covered in tiny rounded bumps that diffuse reflections. Furthermore, iFixit identified that some subpixels in the display are oval-shaped and oriented in different directions, a design feature suggested by an Apple patent to reduce diffraction artifacts and enhance the crease's subtlety.

The teardown also shed light on the display's pixels, showing that some are arranged differently, potentially aiding in reducing reflections.

Lastly, the teardown highlighted Apple's use of electrically releasable adhesive on both batteries, allowing for easy removal without forceful prying. This ease of battery removal is particularly beneficial for internal repairs that require accessing both halves of the phone.