Apple’s entry into the foldable market with the $2,000 passport-style iPhone Duo is undoubtedly a big deal for the category, but early adopters might have to face a possible issue regarding the display's long-term durability and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Most recently, unofficial testing by YouTuber Joanna Stern spotlights the resilience of Apple’s (supposedly) crease-free display hinge assembly. With a custom 3D-printed rig, the hinge was subjected to 32,640 continuous fold cycles (even if, as you can see in the video, the folds aren't completely flat in the closed position). After days of testing, no structural degradation or looseness was noted with force gauge measurement, with peak opening force remaining consistent with out-of-the-box factory specifications.
Despite these early results (with more to come, I'm sure), the physical complexity of the device carries its share of ownership risks. Apple’s service pricing reveals that out-of-warranty repair fees for the iPhone Duo can top $1,500 without an AppleCare+ plan. Fixing or replacing the inner flexible display assembly alone costs nearly three-quarters of the smartphone's total MSRP. Damage to the outer cover glass, titanium chassis, or multi-camera system without coverage can quickly approach the cost of purchasing an entirely new device.
Therefore, going with optional insurance while owning an out-of-warranty Duo is virtually mandatory. Under AppleCare+ (up to $199 for a two-year term), screen repairs drop dramatically to a far more manageable $29 deductible, while comprehensive accidental damage replacements cost $99 per incident. Like most other foldables, the flexible display components and complex moving mechanical parts makes the iPhone Duo significantly more vulnerable to accidental drops, pressure point punctures, or debris intrusion.
Elsewhere, initial test impressions of the Duo have drawn up several software and thermal quirks typical of first-gen hardware. Heat build-up and subsequent performance lag have been brought up by some folks running intense workloads or multi-camera routines that cause the titanium casing to get markedly hotter to the touch. Additionally, a recent Weibo video showed how soft the Duo's panel is near the crease. When swiped over with a finger, the surface deforms and warps with little pressure, more so than other foldables. There have been reports that Apple used variable thickness panels to better hide the crease on the Duo, which could be what the tester experienced here.
Apple hasn't published official lifetime hinge fold numbers, unlike other manufacturers. Samsung, for example, showed in 2025 that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 surpassed 500,000 folds, equating to over 10 years if one were to fold their devices 100 times per day.
Tech enthusiast, YouTuber, engineer, rock climber, family guy. 'Nuff said.