The iPhone Duo has surpassed 297,000 folds in a long-term durability test conducted by CNET

iPhone Duo Hinge Durability Testing Passes 297,000 Folds

The iPhone Duo has surpassed 297,000 folds in a long-term durability test conducted by CNET. Since purchasing the $1,999 device on Oct. 23, the laboratory has used a custom-built machine, the “Fold-a-Phone,” to continuously open and close the handset. The testing aims to simulate years of wear and tear on the device’s hinge mechanism, with the machine performing approximately 20,000 cycles per day.

This mechanical stress test remains active via a livestream from CNET Labs in Louisville, Kentucky. Beyond monitoring the hinge’s physical integrity, editors are using the broadcast to field real-time questions regarding the device’s performance. The test is scheduled to continue until the hardware sustains a failure. Senior Editor Mike Sorrentino, who covers mobile devices, notes that the team expects to cross the 300,000-fold milestone on the livestream soon.

Reports of Display Cracks Near the Hinge

While the laboratory testing continues, early users have reported display malfunctions shortly after purchase. According to CNBC, The Guardian, and MacRumors, owners have noted bright horizontal lines or dead pixels appearing along the crease of the inner screen.

One user in Australia reported on Reddit that their device emitted an audible cracking noise after being opened fewer than 20 times within six hours of ownership. Similar incidents have been documented on social media platforms and online forums in the United States, India, and China. Apple believes the affected units are showing defects quickly after use.

Apple acknowledged the issue in a statement to CNBC and MacRumors, confirming that it affects a “small number” of units. The company stated that affected customers should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Apple’s current policy for out-of-warranty screen repairs for the iPhone Duo is priced at $999.

Industry Analysis of Foldable Design Challenges

The display issues have drawn comparisons to the launch of the original Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019, where similar screen failures prompted industry-wide scrutiny of folding display technology. iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari noted in a teardown video that the iPhone Duo’s hinge construction involves dozens of parts with high precision. iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens suggested on X that a manufacturing variance or microscopic debris, such as a grain of sand, could potentially compromise the fragile internal display panel.

Apple Restricts Walk-In Purchases as Device Sells Out

Demand for the device has been described by Apple as “nothing short of extraordinary” under the leadership of new chief executive John Ternus. Despite this, some potential buyers are reportedly staying away, and others have canceled orders following the reports of screen malfunctions. Ahead of the October 23 launch, Apple retail staff were instructed to discourage customers without pre-orders from visiting stores, as stock was not expected to be available for walk-in purchases. Reports indicate the device has sold out, with the next shipment of units not expected until January.

Common Inquiries Regarding iPhone Duo Reliability

Does the iPhone Duo warranty cover screen cracks caused by the hinge? Apple has confirmed that it will replace affected devices under its AppleCare warranty. For units that are out of warranty, the company lists the cost for an inner-screen repair at $999.

Are these screen issues occurring immediately after purchase? Yes, multiple reports from early owners indicate that the malfunctions often appear within the first few hours of use. Users have described hearing cracking sounds while unfolding the device followed by the appearance of bright lines on the display.

How does the iPhone Duo compare to other foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8? While the iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable entry, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold are frequently mentioned alongside it. Behind the scenes, the App Store has begun displaying screenshots of Apple’s built-in apps optimized for the Duo’s unique form factor.