Apple has confirmed that its new The iPhone Duo features a replaceable protective layer on its foldable screen., an engineering decision designed to minimize the visibility of the crease and prolong the appearance of a new panel over time.
This was revealed by Kate Bergeron, Apple's vice president of hardware engineering, in statements given to content creator Angie Tutorials. According to the executive, the company focused its efforts on addressing one of the biggest problems affecting foldable devices: progressive wear and tear and the mark of the central crease with continued use.
A physical solution to the wear and tear of the fold
The panel design combines two elements to maintain visual uniformity. On one hand, it incorporates a matte coating which helps to reduce reflexes in the flexion area. On the other hand, it integrates a removable protective top layer ("cover layer") designed to be replaced when it wears out.
- Official replacement: According to Bergeron, this sheet is specifically designed so that the user can remove it and install a new unit without having to change the entire screen.
- Price with AppleCare: In Apple's service estimate table, replacing this layer has a fixed cost of $19 under AppleCare coverage.
- Cost outside of warranty: The company has not yet made public what the price of the replacement part will be for customers who do not have the official support policy.
Practical impact on device durability
For a device that exceeds the $2.000 mark, the aging of the flexible screen represents one of the main reasons for hesitation in purchase. By offering an easily replaceable component, Apple seeks to extend the lifespan of the internal panel without forcing the user to live with pronounced wrinkles or to pay for complex structural repairs after months of use.
This measure confirms that, although flexible panel technology has advanced, mechanical wear still requires physical maintenance. Do you consider this modular solution of replacing sheets to be appropriate, or would you prefer a panel that doesn't require maintenance? Let us know in the comments.