Scratch resistance, dust and water protection, and a hinge made from more than 100 components are among the many reasons highlighted by Apple to convince consumers of the iPhone Duo'sdurability. Industry insiders remain unamused, predicting the hype will collapse over time.
Foldable physics bite back
The nano-texture finish almost hides the crease, giving the iPhone Duo an air of sophistication other foldables haven't reached. However, beneath the polish, it remains just as delicate as any other bendable handset on the market.
Suppliers aren't convinced Apple has solved the issue of the protective display film peeling over time, particularly along the crease.
Fold screens feature several layers, starting with a protective film on the outside, followed by flexible glass, optical adhesive, OLED, and a structural metal support plate.
Because the anti-shatter coating bonds to a flexible glass substrate, it's not very durable. Over time, that top layer tends to detach, which could interfere with Apple Pencil input.
Has your opinion on the iPhone Duo shifted since the day it was announced?
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Apple's claims
Apple says the Duo uses a novel structural system. | Image by Apple
With most foldable phones able to withstand between 100,000 and 200,000 folding cycles, durability is no longer the major concern it once was. The real engineering battle ground today is optical adhesive, anti-shatter film, and coatings that mask the crease.
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The iPhone Duo's matte screen makes the crease nearly invisible and makes the display look flatter. The screen boasts a multilayer lamination design to increase durability. But none of it is enough to keep the film from peeling, or so suppliers think.
First-gen tax
Unlike Huawei and Samsung, which have been making foldable phones for seven years, this is Apple's first rodeo. First-gen products are rarely without their flaws, and most customers taking the plunge know what they are getting into.
Still, with this being a $1,999 device, not everyone will be forgiving if the screen starts giving up after some years.
Trust Apple
Apple is taking its sweet time getting the product out of the gate, so durability is probably top of mind. The company claims the iPhone Duo has been designed to endure the wear of everyday use. The nano-textured cover layer, for instance, is made from a custom polymer that is 40% stiffer than what rivals use. Maybe suppliers are just worrying over nothing.
Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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