Some iPhone Duo screens are already failing
Some early iPhone Duo buyers say their foldable phones’ internal OLED screens developed bright or black lines, sometimes within minutes or a day of use. The reports point to a possible hinge-related hardware fault, raising questions about the durability of Apple’s first foldable phone, which costs $2,000.
iFixit’s teardown and CT scans suggest the damage may start below the hinge’s ribbon cable, where the support mechanism narrows. One theory is that a component sticks or fails to move properly as the phone closes, putting pressure on the screen’s bend; Apple has not explained the reports, and their scale is unknown. Some customers say Apple stores have replaced faulty devices, though replacement stock may be limited.
In short
- Some iPhone Duo screens fail soon after use.
- CT scans suggest a possible hinge misalignment.
- Apple has not commented on the reports.
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The case for
Early reports of screen failures on a $2,000 foldable raise a reasonable concern that the hinge or support mechanism may not protect the display reliably. Teardown and scan findings offer a possible hardware explanation, and failures within minutes or a day would make durability a legitimate issue for buyers even while the number of affected phones remains unknown.
The case against
A small number of early customer reports cannot establish how widespread the problem is or prove that the hinge design is at fault. The proposed mechanism is a theory, Apple has not explained the cases, and reported replacements suggest some customers are receiving support; further evidence is needed before judging the phone’s overall durability.
Explained simply
Foldable phones use flexible screens that bend when the device opens and closes. The hinge and the parts supporting the screen must guide that movement while protecting the display.
Apple’s iPhone Duo is the company’s first foldable phone and costs $2,000. Reports of screen damage in some early devices have drawn attention to how reliably its hinge and display work together.
iFixit’s teardown and scans suggest damage could begin near the hinge, but the cause has not been confirmed. Apple has not explained the reports, and it is not known how widespread the problem is; some affected customers say stores have replaced their phones.