iPhone Duo Uses Dual Batteries and a Hinge Design
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Repair specialists have taken apart Apple’s first foldable phone to get a closer look at the device the company has built.
Early teardown videos from channels such as REWA Technology and Phone Repair Guru show that the phone’s internals look nothing like those of a conventional iPhone. Apple appears to have designed the device from the ground up with its foldable form factor in mind, according to Gizmo China on Monday (26 October).
The biggest surprise is its dual-battery arrangement. There is one cell in each half of the phone: a larger pack with a capacity of 2,962 mAh and a smaller one rated at 1,921 mAh, giving a combined capacity of 4,883 mAh.
The two batteries are held in place with electrically activated adhesive. When the battery is nearly depleted, the specialised adhesive releases, allowing technicians to lift out the steel-clad batteries cleanly. The phone continues to work even if one battery is removed.
A secondary board connects the two halves via a flexible cable. The USB-C port is fully modular and secured by just a few screws, making it relatively easy to replace. The rear cameras are also fairly accessible.
Accessing the inner foldable display is another matter. Technicians must remove the rear panel and outer screen before they can reach the battery and display assembly.
The inner OLED is secured with extensive adhesive and connected by delicate ribbon cables, which also power the under-display selfie camera.
Above the glossy layer is a matte nano-textured film that helps conceal the crease and reduce glare, but adds to the complexity. Replacing the spring-loaded hinge or the inner display itself is likely to be time-consuming and expensive.
Apple has issued an official repair manual covering the battery, display, hinge and Touch ID button. Some parts, such as the modular charging port, score well for ease of maintenance.
Other components remain fragile and costly. Owners are advised to use a protective case and seriously consider AppleCare+ or similar cover, as repairs to the display or hinge will not be cheap.