The test was conducted by JerryRigEverything, a YouTube channel known for testing the durability of smartphones, including foldable devices. According to the report, the iPhone Duo did not survive the tests.
Dust and Sand Cause iPhone Duo Hinge Problems
Despite carrying an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, the iPhone Duo reportedly struggled when tester Zack Nelson exposed it to sand and dirt.
The particles entered the hinge mechanism, preventing the magnets from pulling the phone completely shut. As a result, the device remained slightly open.
The incident raises questions about how well the foldable phone's hinge can withstand exposure to fine particles during everyday use.
Bend Test Damages the Foldable Display
The phone reportedly suffered more serious damage during a backward bend test.
When the unfolded device was bent backwards, a permanent green line appeared across its inner display. A second attempt caused additional lines to appear, after which the inner screen stopped responding to touch, according to MacRumors.
The results raise concerns about the durability of the flexible display, particularly when the phone is subjected to pressure beyond normal use.
iPhone Duo Inner Screen Scratches at Level 2
The iPhone Duo's outer display, protected by Ceramic Shield 2, reportedly performed better during the scratch test, showing faint marks at level 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
However, the flexible 7.6-inch inner display proved significantly more vulnerable, scratching at level 2.
The phone's matte nano-texture coating reportedly makes many of these marks less visible while the screen is switched on.
Nelson also warned that repairing the inner display could cost around $1,000, potentially making screen damage an expensive problem for owners.
Early Users Report Software Issues
Concerns about the iPhone Duo are not limited to its physical durability. Early users have also shared videos online showing applications struggling to adapt to the phone's foldable design.
One widely circulated clip reportedly shows a video app shrinking into a small window rather than expanding to fill the larger display when the phone is unfolded.
Such reports raise questions about how well applications have been optimised for Apple's new form factor.
iPhone Duo Price Adds to Concerns
The iPhone Duo is described in the report as Apple's most expensive iPhone to date, with a price higher than that of many used cars in Pakistan.
Some long-time iPhone users have also questioned whether the device addresses the major drawbacks associated with foldable smartphones.
While the reported durability test highlights potential weaknesses in the hinge and inner display, the results of a single test do not necessarily reflect how the device will perform under normal everyday conditions. Further testing and long-term use will be needed to establish its overall reliability.
