Concerns Arise Over iPhone Duo’s Soft Display Near Hinge in Early Hands-On Videos

Early units of Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, have begun to surface, revealing insights into the device’s display just days before its official shipping date on October 23.
Hands-on videos circulating online highlight unexpected issues with the crease of the display. While the crease appeared minor during Apple’s launch event, recent clips indicate that the company may not have fully addressed the challenges commonly associated with foldable screens.
Unlike competitors such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8, which primarily utilizes ultra-thin glass for added durability, the iPhone Duo employs a softer cover layer. This design choice allows for easier replacement if scratched but contributes to a notably soft feel above the hinge.
Users have reported that when dragging a finger across the central area, the crease becomes more pronounced, and a slight dip can be felt. However, when the display is idle, the crease is less noticeable, particularly on new units. This soft texture appears consistent across the early devices observed.
BREAKING!A shocking new discovery about the iPhone Duo’s foldable display!
According to Weibo user Kang, the screen around the iPhone Duo’s crease is surprisingly SOFT to the touch. When pressed with a finger, the surface can even develop visible WRINKLES!
This is something… pic.twitter.com/iBZSd7gF4t
— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) October 20, 2026
The long-term durability of this design remains uncertain. Many foldable devices tend to exhibit more pronounced creases with frequent folding and unfolding. As broader shipping begins on October 23, more detailed reviews and user feedback are expected to emerge.
Apple has implemented a nano-texture finish and specialized adhesives to minimize visual disruption and stress on the display layers. Initial hands-on impressions suggested that the crease was less intrusive compared to rival devices. However, the latest customer videos reveal that while the crease may be subtle when the screen is still, the soft feel over the hinge is a distinctive characteristic of Apple’s first foldable.
(Source: Ice Universe)
Source: Gizmochina