iFixit Teardown Reveals Why Apple's First Folding iPhone Is Breaking

Apple users are reporting cracked screens and broken hinges on the new iPhone Duo, the company's first folding phone, just as repair site iFixit releases its official teardown. It remains unclear how widespread the screen issues are among users, and Apple has not responded to requests for comment. The Verge notes that iFixit suspects the complex hinge sometimes fails to descend properly, concentrating pressure near an accordion cable and the battery edge to cause an audible crack and broken glass.

Repair Score

iFixit gave the $1,999 device a provisional repairability score of 5 out of 10, which marks the highest repair rating the site has ever awarded to any foldable phone. The battery, back panels, outer trim, and 5.4-inch front screen are all relatively straightforward to remove and replace using standard brackets and screws. Furthermore, Apple made its repair manual widely accessible on launch day.

Fragile Displays

The inner display presents a much harder challenge because it requires melting adhesive with a heat gun to pull the screen away. A thin matte nano-texture finish sits on top of the OLED screen to scatter reflections and mask the crease, but users can easily peel it off by mistake. According to The Verge, microscopic analysis also reveals oval-shaped subpixels angled to reduce visual artifacts. Replacing the fragile inner screen through Apple costs $999. Meanwhile, dust builds up in the USB-C port, speaker, and inner hinge to make the folding mechanism sound crunchy, though iFixit found less dust inside than rival devices like the Z Fold8 or Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Context

Folding phones face major engineering hurdles because their moving hinges create constant physical strain and allow dust to enter delicate internal components. While right-to-repair laws in the US and European Union have pushed companies to offer better manuals and parts, complex folding designs continue to make home repairs exceptionally difficult and costly.