Visible gaps in iPhone Duo hinge

Owners of the iPhone Duo have reported visible gaps between the back of the device and the hinge mechanism, which is designed to resist water and dust. Users have shared photos and videos on forums such as Reddit, highlighting the issue, which has been dubbed "Gapgate." The gap appears at the junction between the back plate and the hinge, sometimes reduced to a thin line and sometimes wide enough to reveal the internal components.

IP68 certification and water resistance

The iPhone Duo is the first folding smartphone certified IP68 against water and dust, according to Tech Advisor. However, once the back separates from the hinge, the device is no longer airtight, and Apple does not cover damages caused by liquid under its warranty. No owner has yet reported a failure related to water infiltration through this gap.

Design and manufacturing issues

PhoneArena reported that the affected Duo models may be poorly assembled, noting a design error on the back of the hinge that allows dust or sand to enter the phone. Before the launch, sources close to the factories mentioned a yield barely above 60% on the production lines, due to the manufacturing of the hinges and the back plate.

Apple's response to the issue

Apple has not made any official statement about these gaps. Regarding the internal screen, the company has acknowledged a problem on a small number of devices and invites affected customers to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The brand also asks its store teams to repair or exchange any faulty Duo, provided that the owner did not break it intentionally.

Consumer advice and return policies

Customers who ordered their Duo online or by phone have fourteen days after receiving it to return it without justification. Upon opening the box, users are advised to close the phone and examine the junction between the back and the hinge from the side, in bright light. Unfolding the Duo halfway is recommended to best see the inside of the hinge. Users are encouraged to film or photograph this junction as soon as they unpack it to record the device's condition at delivery.

Legal warranty and consumer rights

If a gap is discovered after several weeks, users can use the legal warranty of conformity for two years from the date of delivery, one year longer than Apple's commercial warranty. Any defect found within this period is presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, and the seller must then repair or replace it at no cost.