The foldable iPhone Duo has been undergoing a continuous stress test for three weeks via a live stream conducted by CNET, with initial results revealing signs of wear in the hinge mechanism after surpassing the 450,000-fold mark.
What has changed practically?
According to technical observations during the test, the hinge began to lose its usual tension upon reaching 390,000 folds. By 440,300 folds, a misalignment occurred in the mechanism that prevented the screen from opening fully automatically, stopping at an angle ranging from 5 to 10 degrees from the fully open position, which requires manual intervention to complete the process. However, the device continues to function efficiently, maintaining screen stability in various positions without the appearance of cracks or technical failures in the display panel.
Why does this test matter?
The importance of this test lies in providing an external indicator of the mechanical design durability of Apple's first foldable phone, in the absence of official figures from the company regarding the hinge's lifespan. By comparison, Samsung screens used in devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold7 have passed certified tests reaching 500,000 folds.
Practically speaking, if we assume a user folds the phone 100 times a day, reaching 450,000 folds means the device is capable of lasting for more than a decade, which exceeds the typical usage lifecycle of smartphones. CNET plans to continue the test until specific failure conditions are met, such as power loss, sensor failure, or the screen stopping work entirely.
Broader technical context
This test comes at a sensitive time, as some iPhone Duo owners have reported screen issues appearing as bright pixel lines along the hinge area after short periods of use, which has sparked discussions about manufacturing quality. This test remains in a controlled laboratory environment and does not necessarily reflect real-world daily usage conditions that include exposure to dust, impacts, or weather factors.