Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
Add Android Authority on Google:
TL;DR
- Apple has confirmed that the matte display layer on the iPhone Duo’s inner screen can be replaced.
- Users will likely need to visit an authorized repair outlet to get this layer replaced, in line with all other foldable phones.
- Apple charges $19 for this replacement with AppleCare Plus, while Samsung offers a free replacement within a year of your purchase.
All foldable phones launched to date have plastic screen protectors on their inner screens that should only be replaced by authorized repair outlets. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that the iPhone Duo’s matte plastic display layer is replaceable too.
Apple vice-president Kate Bergeron told @angietutorials on TikTok (h/t: 9to5Mac) that the iPhone Duo’s matte screen coating can be replaced:
The matte display coating does a really nice job of, I’ll say minimizing the crease. But there’s a cover layer on top, and we’ve done a significant amount of engineering work to help that wear in as long of a manner as we can (sic) to make sure that you get the most out of that layer’s performance. It’s actually replaceable, which is a really nice thing for the customer that you can peel off that layer and get a new one.
It’s worth noting that Bergeron didn’t explicitly say this was a user-replaceable layer. Instead, she almost certainly means that customers can get this replaced by authorized repair outlets. This would be in line with rival foldables. Screen protectors on other foldable phones aren’t meant to be removed by users, as this process risks damaging the folding screen. So I seriously wouldn’t risk peeling off the iPhone Duo’s matte layer. You have been warned.
So how much would this screen protector replacement cost? Well, the iPhone Duo matte screen layer costs $19 to replace with AppleCare Plus (h/t: Quinn Nelson on X). Apple hasn’t updated its support page with pricing for users without AppleCare Plus, though. There’s therefore a chance that the replacement fee could be even higher.
By contrast, Samsung offers one free screen protector replacement within 12 months of purchasing a Flip or Fold device. It adds that subsequent applications will cost $19.99. This initial free replacement should give you some peace of mind for scratches and scuffs. Furthermore, we’re glad to see a reasonable $20 cost for follow-up replacements, matching the iPhone Duo’s best pricing for screen protector replacement.
The iPhone Duo seamlessly blends a compact, pocketable 5.4-inch outer display with an expansive 7.6-inch folding inner display. Powered by the ultra-fast A20 Pro chip, it enables side-by-side multitasking and immersive viewing in an ultra-thin titanium frame. It is the ideal choice for early adopters and power users who want maximum screen space for productivity and media without carrying a bulky tablet.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.