Durability test on foldable iPhone

Videographer Tim Pan tested the iPhone Duo's durability by using a folding robot to perform 10,000 cycles at room temperature and 1,000 cycles in a cold environment of -20 °C. The test was published by MediaStorm, a Chinese studio, on October 21.

Mechanical performance under stress

The hinge of the iPhone Duo remained flexible after the test, but the fold in the center of the 7.6-inch internal display became visibly more pronounced. This change was noticeable even after the first 500 folds, though less visible when the screen was in use.

Structural resilience and water resistance

The iPhone Duo showed structural resilience by surviving two accidental drops with only a single scratch on its 3D-printed titanium hinge cover. It also withstood a thirty-minute immersion, meeting its IP68 certification standards for water and dust resistance.

Hinge and particle infiltration

The hinge of the iPhone Duo sometimes allows hair or sand particles to enter under certain opening angles, according to Tim Pan. This issue was also observed in other tests, such as when American journalist Joanna Stern folded the device over 32,000 times without major issues.

Cost of internal screen and coating

The internal screen of the iPhone Duo, which costs 1,149 euros, makes up nearly half the price of the device. The screen has a nano-textured polymer coating that shows more irregularities than the glass used in the iPad Pro and is prone to retaining stains from sweat and makeup.

Technical issues and repair costs

Tim Pan noted that the iPhone Duo's display occasionally turned black or showed a jumping wallpaper when opened slowly, possibly due to a sensor or software issue. Repairing the screen outside of warranty in France costs 1,149 euros, while replacing the protective coating costs 55 euros without AppleCare+.

Recommendation for insurance

Apple prohibits users from removing the protective coating themselves, and the screen's issues, including a more pronounced fold and high repair costs, suggest considering AppleCare+ insurance before selecting the device's color. A full review and technical details are pending in a first impressions report.