iFixit’s look inside the iPhone Duo may explain those broken screens and hinges
As is tradition, iFixit has torn open the latest iPhone and laid its parts bare on a table. It found some interesting details about how Apple might be hiding the crease on the Duo's folding screen and gave it a 5/10 repairability score. That might not seem particularly high, but it's the best score the […]
iFixit's examination of the iPhone Duo reveals that it is the most repairable foldable on the market, but that statement alone does not paint an impressive picture. In its tradition of dissecting new devices, iFixit has taken apart the latest iPhone and presented its internal components to the public. The findings from this teardown are intriguing and potentially problematic.
Apple has earned a 5/10 repairability score for the iPhone Duo, which is the best score the site has given to a foldable to date. This score indicates that while the device is more repairable than others, it still presents significant challenges.
The internal screen's matte nano-texture cover serves a dual purpose. It improves readability in bright sunlight and also camouflages the crease by scattering reflections. Upon closer inspection under a microscope, iFixit discovered oval-shaped subpixels arranged at various angles. These subpixels are believed to be designed to minimize artifacts and further obscure the crease down the middle of the display.
Replacing the nano-texture outer layer is relatively straightforward and does not require the replacement of the OLED display beneath it.
However, repairing the display itself is a formidable task. The experience with other foldable devices suggests that it is an expensive and arduous process. During the teardown, dust infiltrated the USB-C port, speaker grills, and the hinge, making it feel a bit crunchy. The good news is that dust accumulation in these areas is less severe compared to the Z Fold8 or Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Concerning reports of damaged screens and cracking hinges, iFixit offers some hypotheses. The hinge on the iPhone Duo is extremely complex, and there is suspicion that it may not be fully retracting as intended. Additionally, an accordion cable passes over this hinge area, which sits near the edge of the battery. This positioning could concentrate pressure and contribute to the audible crack and broken screens that some users have experienced. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on these findings.
Written by urgent.news from The Verge's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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