Reports of broken screens on the new iPhone Duo have surfaced just days after the device launched. Users on social media shared images showing cracks in the middle of the inner display, specifically above the hinge area. In response, Apple acknowledged an issue and confirmed it is replacing damaged units, though the company has not provided specific details on the scope of the problem.
Stress hotspots in the hinge mechanism
Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown technician at iFixit, identified a potential mechanical cause for the failures. According to Mokhtari, the issue stems from the complex hinge assembly, which uses gears, springs, and joints to allow the device to fold flat while minimizing the crease in the screen.
The teardown reveals that the flexible inner screen may be pushing against a part of the hinge structure. Mokhtari described the inner screen as extremely sensitive, noting that even minor contact with sharp edges can cause damage. He pointed to a black spot often visible in photos of broken devices, which indicates where metal components are pressing directly against the display.
iFixit’s analysis suggests that the center hinge support might not drop down far enough during the folding process. This creates a stress hotspot between the flat support bar and the bent screen inside the closed device. The crossing flex cable adds to the complexity, creating several edges that could contribute to the failure.
Real-world damage and future fixes
One user reported hearing an audible crack while showing the device to a friend, after feeling something unusual around the internal hinge. Another durability test by YouTuber CuriousHagi captured a similar failure, with the screen breaking in the same location. The teardown from that video showed a part of the hinge connecting to the central bar had snapped.
Mokhtari stated that Apple described the issue as affecting a small number of Duo units. He emphasized that while the exact numbers are unknown, some failures are expected with first-generation foldable technology due to the delicate nature of both the screens and the hinge mechanisms.
Although Apple is not issuing a recall, Mokhtari warned that if the same type of failure persists in three months, it could indicate a more widespread problem that might lead to a recall. He expressed confidence that Apple will redesign the problematic hinge components for the next generation of foldable phones, as this is the first time the company has gathered data on this specific mechanism.
Despite the reported issues, Mokhtari noted that most users seem to be using the devices without encountering any problems.
Source: The Verge
