iPhone Duo Teardown Reveals Possible Cause of Broken Screens

Apple's debut foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, underwent teardown analysis by iFixit, revealing a complex hinge mechanism that may be tied to recent complaints of screen damage. The repair specialists assigned the device a repairability score of 5 out of 10, placing it above other foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 (4/10) and Galaxy Z Fold7 (3/10).

According to iFixit, certain internal components of the iPhone Duo can be detached without disassembling most of the device. The external display can be removed using a suction clamp and prying tool, while the phone features two batteries that can be extracted using Apple's anodic delamination system—this involves applying a low-voltage power source to release adhesive. The battery removal process is shown at approximately 5:50 in the teardown video.

iFixit's examination also sheds light on Apple's design to minimize the visibility of the foldable display's crease. Under a microscope, the matte nano-texture protective layer on the inner screen contains thousands of microscopic bumps that scatter light, making the crease less noticeable. Additionally, Apple employs a modified RGB subpixel arrangement within the OLED panel, with subpixels angled to further reduce crease visibility.

However, the iPhone Duo's hinge mechanism has raised concerns due to reports of stiffness and pops/cracks upon folding. These issues sometimes lead to permanent display damage, showing vertical lines through the center and horizontal lines extending toward the right side. iFixit's teardown exposes a complex hinge design that may explain these failures, with potential causes including improper downward movement of certain components or interference from the accordion-like flexible cable.