iFixit gives iPhone Duo highest foldable repair score but warns inner screen and hinge replacements are difficult

iFixit has taken apart the iPhone Duo from Apple and given it a repairability score of 5 out of 10, the highest the repair specialist has ever awarded to a foldable phone, though the teardown found dust reaching the hinge and difficult inner screen and hinge repairs.

iFixit Teardown Results

iFixit has completed a full teardown of the new iPhone Duo from Apple and assigned it a repairability score of 5 out of 10. This is the highest score iFixit has ever given to a foldable phone. The outer screen and the two battery cell units are relatively easy to remove. The outer trim also came away intact, which iFixit notes was not the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Dust Ingress and Hinge Concerns

Using ultraviolet dust during the teardown, iFixit found that some particles reached the hinge mechanism. While the hinge did not gather as much dust as the Pixel 11 Pro Fold or the Galaxy Z Fold 8, enough entered to cause a crunching sound. Apple has given the iPhone Duo an IP68 rating for dust and water protection, but the test shows dust can still penetrate the hinge. The iFixit team writes that the device shares the same dirt sensitivity as its folding competitors.

Screen Crease and Cracking Issues

iFixit offers a possible explanation for cracked screen reports from some iPhone Duo owners. The stress may come from the main display crease putting pressure on the central support bar for the hinge. Further investigation is needed to confirm this theory. The teardown also details the gears, springs, and metal joints in the hinge and describes how Apple disguises the crease through pixel arrangement and a matte nano-texture finish.

Repair Difficulty and Conclusion

Replacing the inner screen and the hinge is the biggest challenge. Because of the complicated assembly, iFixit says it takes a lot of work, time, and money to restore these parts. The team concludes that for a first attempt Apple has done well, highlighting easy battery removal as a feature they would like to see on every foldable. However, they advise owners to handle the screen carefully and avoid carrying abrasive materials in pockets.

Sources: TechRadar