pple's first folding smartphone, unofficially dubbed iPhone Duo, is currently undergoing round-the-clock durability testing in the CNET laboratory. The $2,000 device is being put through its paces using a custom robotic rig called Fold-a-Phone to evaluate hinge reliability in real-world conditions.
This mechanical arm folds and unfolds the gadget about 900 times an hour, simulating intensive multi-year use. The lab's testing methodology is designed to expose hidden defects in the flexible display panel and mechanism. By early November, the test counter had already crossed 215,000 continuous operating cycles, significantly exceeding the average workload for a first year of ownership.
As lab director Matthew Murray noted, specialists have not recorded any failures of the hinge or screens so far. The crease on the inner display remains exactly as it was during the first minutes after unboxing the device. In the foldable device market, hinge durability remains the primary concern for buyers, especially with a $2,000 price tag where users expect flawless operation over several years.
Apple itself has traditionally published no official data regarding the lifespan designed into this smartphone's folding mechanism. The current tests should show in practice just how durable the device turns out to be in everyday use for a regular buyer who is parting with serious money for the gadget.
How the picture shifted
In late October, Apple belatedly released the iPhone Duo for $1,999, making the robotic test of 215,000 folds the ultimate practical check for anyone hesitating to spend that much blindly. The mechanical endurance of the hinge confirms the device is ready for years of use, removing the biggest worry before buying the premium handset.
Our stories: Apple iPhone Duo Foldable Review: $1,999 for Heavy Tech (October 21).