Apple's new iPhone Duo features a nano-texture display designed to minimize the visibility of its folding crease, but long-term performance remains to be seen.
Key facts
- •The iPhone Duo is scheduled to be available in stores next month.
- •The device utilizes a nano-texture matte coating to reduce light reflection on the screen.
- •Hands-on reports indicate the crease is currently easier to feel with a finger than to observe with the eyes.
- •Cumulative damage from repeated folding is a known issue for foldable phone displays.
- •Initial reviews will only reflect the condition of the screen when the device is new.
Apple recently announced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, which is scheduled to hit stores next month. The device features a new nano-texture display intended to make the screen's folding crease less visible. While initial hands-on experiences suggest the crease is difficult to see, questions remain regarding how the display will hold up after months of repeated folding and unfolding.
Addressing the foldable crease
Foldable phones have historically struggled with the physical limitation of developing a crease where the screen bends. Apple has attempted to mitigate this issue on the iPhone Duo by applying a matte coating to the display. This nano-texture surface is designed to reduce light reflection, which helps mask the appearance of the crease. In early demonstrations, some observers reported that the crease was barely noticeable, while others noted it remained visible.
Concerns regarding cumulative damage
The primary uncertainty surrounding the iPhone Duo is how the screen will perform after extensive use. Similar to other foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the screen may appear flat when new, but the crease often becomes more prominent as the device is folded and unfolded over time. Because current hands-on reports and upcoming initial reviews are based on devices fresh out of the box, they cannot account for the cumulative wear that occurs over months or years of ownership.
Future durability testing
Apple executives have expressed confidence in the durability of the iPhone Duo, claiming it will outperform competing foldable devices. However, the true test of the nano-textured screen will occur once the phone reaches a mass of consumers and is subjected to real-world usage. It is expected that durability tests conducted by third parties, such as YouTubers, will eventually provide more insight into how the screen holds up to long-term stress.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Engadget.
