YouTuber Teardown Points to Hinge Weak Spot as Likely Cause of iPhone Duo Screen Cracks
A teardown of the iPhone Duo by a prominent YouTuber suggests that a weak point in the device's hinge may be responsible for the screen cracking issues that have come to be known as "crackgate."
The Crackgate Controversy
Since its launch, a number of iPhone Duo owners have reported that the foldable's display has developed cracks along the crease, often without any obvious drop or impact. The failures have fueled speculation about the durability of the foldable design and put pressure on Apple to address the problem. As of 2026, the iPhone Duo remains Apple's flagship foldable, and the crackgate reports have become a key test of the company's response to early-adopter concerns.
What the Teardown Revealed
In a detailed disassembly video, the YouTuber traced the cracks to the hinge mechanism, which appears to have a structural weak spot that can concentrate stress on the display as the phone is opened and closed. Over repeated folding cycles, that stress may cause micro-fractures that eventually propagate into visible cracks. The findings are consistent with earlier reports from repair specialists who noted that cracked units often showed signs of hinge-related wear.
Implications for Apple and Foldable Buyers
The teardown adds weight to the argument that the cracks stem from a design or manufacturing issue rather than user mishandling. If confirmed, that could have significant implications for Apple's warranty and repair policies, as well as for consumer confidence in the iPhone Duo. For prospective foldable buyers in 2026, the episode underscores the importance of extended warranties and careful handling, at least until Apple publicly responds to the crackgate reports.
Apple has not yet issued a formal statement on the teardown's findings.
via The Verge