As early iPhone Duo owners report problems with screen cracks and faulty pixel lines along the hinge, repairability experts at iFixit have conducted a teardown to uncover a potential cause. CNET (cnet.com) reports that while testing the device with a custom machine, certain units have experienced display issues, prompting a closer look at Apple’s first foldable smartphone.
Teardown and Hinge Investigation
According to MacRumors and Reddit, users have most commonly encountered display cracks and lines of faulty pixels appearing right along the hinge. To investigate, repairability experts at iFixit used teardown footage, patents, and CT scans collected while breaking down the iPhone Duo to build a 3D hinge model and identify potential failure points.
The analysis revealed that breaks appeared to occur consistently in the exact same location, situated just below the cable connecting the two screens where multiple different connectors meet. Elizabeth Chamberlain of iFixit explained in a blog post that the numerous edges meeting in that specific area present many possible culprits, noting that the center support bar in their closing simulation fails to drop down far enough. This creates a situation where the screen’s curved fold comes down onto the bar, generating a small stress hotspot near the reported break location. Additionally, iFixit developed an interactive CT scan enabling users to examine how the hinge supports, cable, and neighboring components fit beneath the display.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the faults. Users experiencing problems with their iPhone Duo are currently protected under warranty, though Apple plans to charge $999 for inner screen replacements at a later date.
Foldable Repairability and Industry Leading Scores
Despite the screen complaints, iFixit named the iPhone Duo the most repairable foldable smartphone it has ever taken apart. The device earned a 5/10 repairability rating, trailing the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max scores of 7/10, but still positioning Apple as the industry leader for foldable repairability.
iFixit highlighted the screen trim on the Duo as particularly easy to remove compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which suffered from a crumbling trim during removal. The flat layout of the internal components also received praise because it allows technicians to access parts like the cameras and logic board without disassembling the entire device. Furthermore, iFixit commended Apple’s use of electrically releasable adhesive, an innovative technology allowing batteries to be removed safely using a low voltage without the risks of bending or prying.
Points were deducted from the overall score due to the hinge and inner display, both of which remain difficult and time-consuming to repair. While iFixit is still waiting for official parts to become available from Apple, the company was praised for swiftly publishing its repair manual to assist individuals and third-party repair shops.
Chamberlain noted that for a first attempt, Apple performed well, highlighting the easy battery removal as a feature they want on every foldable while emphasizing that they will hold Apple accountable for providing replacement parts and improving future generations of the device.
