Foldable phones face a challenge that goes beyond the large screen design and the ability to transform the phone into a more spacious device. Their appeal is also linked to the screen and hinge's durability for repeated use, and the cost of repairing them if they malfunction. With Apple entering this category, questions arise about its ability to bear high maintenance costs, especially if screen repair requires replacing expensive internal components.
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The screen costs approximately half the price of the phone.
After the phone was announced, speculation spread about the price of repairing its screen if it was damaged or broken. There was also clarification about the big difference between repairing the foldable inner screen and the traditional outer screen. According to prices reported by the MacRumors website from Apple’s list, the cost of repairing the damaged inner screen is $999 without AppleCare+ coverage, while the cost of repairing the outer screen is $379. As for repairing other damages that fall under a separate category, it may cost up to $1499.
The phone starts at $1,999, meaning that repairing the internal screen alone could cost about half the price of the basic device, while the cost of repairing other damage is close to three-quarters of its value.
The maintenance costs are not limited to the screen; battery replacement costs $229, rear camera repair $229, and back glass repair $199, according to published US prices. These amounts remain estimates, as Apple indicates that the final fees may vary after the device is inspected, and authorized service centers may set their own prices.
Why is a foldable screen becoming more complicated?
The structure of a foldable screen differs from that of a traditional flat screen. It requires flexible layers capable of withstanding repeated bending, while maintaining image quality, touch response, and the integrity of the protective layers. These layers must also work in conjunction with a hinge that allows the phone to be opened and closed without causing unbalanced pressure on the display area.
Reviews from the repair website iFixit indicate that disassembling foldable phones and replacing their screens or batteries can be a complex process due to the overlapping components and the interconnection of some sensitive parts. This leads to increased repair time, the need for specialized tools and technical expertise, as well as higher spare parts costs.
Another challenge is the potential for the screen's surface layer to wear off or show signs of bending over time. Apple has announced that the iPhone Duo's internal screen includes a replaceable top layer, with the aim of reducing the effects of use on its surface. Separating this layer from the internal screen is an important step in terms of maintenance, as it may allow for addressing some surface problems without necessarily having to replace the entire screen.
However, the replaceability of the protective layer does not mean that the screen is immune to damage, nor does it alone prove that repairs will be easy in all cases, as this remains related to the type of damage affecting the internal layers or the components surrounding them.
Joint and resistance to daily use
The hinge is another key point in evaluating the phone, as it is subject to movement every time the user opens or closes the device. This part needs to maintain the stability of the screen and the alignment of the two halves of the phone, while resisting wear and tear and loosening resulting from repeated use.
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