iPhone Duo Screen Damage Traced to Hinge Design Flaw

Image: Here’s why the iPhone Duo’s hinge could be cracking the screen · Source

Shortly after the iPhone Duo foldable phone launched, users reported cracks appearing near the hinge on the inner screen. Teardown experts attribute the issue to the hinge pressing against the delicate screen during folding.

The iPhone Duo, Apple's recently launched foldable phone, has encountered early reports of screen damage concentrated near the device’s central hinge. Users shared images on social media showing cracks and lines developing on the inner display shortly after initial use. Apple has acknowledged the problem, offering replacements for affected units, but has not detailed how widespread the issue is. Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown technician at iFixit, examined the iPhone Duo's internal mechanism and explained that the hinge comprises a complex system of gears, springs, and joints designed to let the device close flat while minimizing a deep crease in the screen. However, at a critical point within the hinge, the flexible inner screen is forced against a hinge component that may exert damaging pressure. The screen material at this spot is especially fragile, prone to breakage if poked or stressed. Visual analysis from iFixit's teardowns shows that a center hinge support allows for a crossing flex cable, creating edges which can form a stress hotspot where the flat support and bent screen meet when the phone is closed. Supporting this theory, some broken units exhibited audible cracking sounds originating near the internal hinge during use, and teardown videos revealed snapped hinge parts in this area. While Apple states only a small number of Duo units are affected, the delicate nature of foldable screens and intricate hinge mechanisms means a certain failure rate is expected. Mokhtari suggests that if similar failures persist over time, this could prompt a recall. As the iPhone Duo represents Apple's first-generation foldable, engineers are gathering crucial data to inform future hinge redesigns aimed at preventing these failures. Despite these issues, the majority of devices in user hands reportedly perform without screen or hinge problems.