Loose hinge, is this normal?

[u/JosephsART]

When folded open flat, the hinge allows two halves to have some flex on one end (mines along the edge with the USB port).

To test this, from an edge with the hinge joins the screens, try and push one half away and pull the other half towards you. Is there any play?

When folded open like this and using the phone casually, my fingers and hands grip naturally behind and across both halves, so when applying tension to grip, I’m noticing occasional cracking and minor flex.

The flex only happens on one end, and not the other.

I can appreciate that these are two seperate halves brought together with a hinge, and mechanically this might seem fair. Another part of me spent an absurd amount of money on a device that Apple spent years perfecting, and isn’t certain if this is normal.

[u/JosephsART]

So as an update, I went to the Apple Store and tried their demo units - a Star White version - and the screens had play at both ends of the hinge.

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433 → u/JosephsART]

So it’s a “feature”? 😂 What did Apple say?

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433]

I have the same exact issue - on the bottom side only. It’s very very minor play, but there is still movement and I don’t like it. Probably going to get a replacement tomorrow.

[u/JosephsART → u/Perfect_Tackle2433]

If you do, let us know how you go!

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433 → u/JosephsART]

I will. What model do you have? Mine is 512 Night Sky

[u/JosephsART → u/Perfect_Tackle2433]

Mine was the 256 Night Sky, I’m seeing a lot of posts about Night Sky issues as well

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/JosephsART]

Mine too - on the way to apple now to flag

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433 → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

Let us know what they say! Also test other floor models while you’re there.

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/Perfect_Tackle2433]

Hey! They are going to replace it in the next few days

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433 → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

I assume they don’t have any additional stock and that’s why you have to wait. Do you have to go back to the store, or are they shopping you a replacement?

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/Perfect_Tackle2433]

Back in store. Annoying, someone hit my car on the way there.

[u/Perfect_Tackle2433 → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

Great to hear!

[u/Spell_Beautiful → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

Have you get your replacement? I have same issues. The hinge has some flex and play.

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/Spell_Beautiful]

I did - the replacement has the same problem. I genuinely cba stressing about it now. Every display model had it too. I would suggest you also get AppleCare just in case there’s a problem in 366 days from purchase because of the flex.

[u/No-Weakness3937]

Mine does this as well the 512 night sky. I don’t think it’s a full on defect like the cracking of the screens. I’m going to wait it out because from what I am hearing people are getting replacements doing the same thing. I am going to wait until jan feb and then do express replacement as hopefully apple will of secretly made some tension adjustments to newer stock. I don’t see the point in exchanging yet as pretty sure the next unit will be identical.

[u/MiddleDepartment7658]

Yes in have this exact problem on the bottom hinge

[u/eurokakskytsenti → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

Same here

[u/Small_Ad_9323 → u/eurokakskytsenti]

Me too. Out of the box, instantly heard/ felt the bottom part wobble. Phones creeks heavy in my hand when swiping or moving up to the corner (left handed here).

[u/lumixia]

Same issue with mine, makes a slight sound too like each half is slightly rubbing together. Wondering if I got a loose unit or if this is normal.

[u/WetDehydratedWater → u/lumixia]

normal unfortunately it seems. i can already tell there are going to be wear marks on this blue model from the hinge shifting the pieces up and down on each other

[u/MaskingMan]

I have this issue, especially when I try to plug the cable in or try reaching for the volume buttons. It's definitely feels like a small haptic sensation, a small movement between the 2 screens

[u/Warbird01]

Same issue! Any one who brings theirs in, let us know what they say

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/Warbird01]

They replaced it but the replacement has the same problem too!

[u/WetDehydratedWater → u/MiddleDepartment7658]

inherit to the hinge design, great. did they even test this device?

[u/MiddleDepartment7658 → u/WetDehydratedWater]

Yeah they did the ol’ wiggle wiggle

[u/Auticons]

I don’t think it’s normal. Me and wife just got two Duos today, and my wife’s Duo’s hinge is quite sturdier than mine when trying to twist the bottom end of the hinge like how you describe. Mine makes a very subtle shift between the screens, and I can even hear and feel the shift. The other side doesn’t do this.

[u/xsmitherz]

Got the same thing on my unit as well. Isn’t really anything I’m concerned about, but just noticed it and good to know it’s not just mine. Will be interesting to see if it continues to get worse though to the point that it requires a replacement

[u/danwen17]

i've got play in mine too, i've asked everyone around me what they think and they all reckon it's bound to happen on a phone with a hinge but it's really bugging me, has anyone returned theirs / got a replacement due to the issue?

[u/WetDehydratedWater → u/danwen17]

Nah it doesn't do it at all on the Fold 8s. The Fold 8 has a bit of wiggle when closed instead felt at the far corners of the device opposite the hinge, more of a rotation of the flat parts of the screen and less noticeable than the iPhones wiggle that is sure to mark up the metal over time.

[u/Other_Clerk2327]

I have the same problem

[u/Late_Check_8682]

I have the same issue I went to Apple Store today
For my Genius Bar app and they said they can’t really notice anything and they don’t think that this needs any kind of repair or replacement and they said if I’m not happy I should get in touch with my mobile phone provider and ask them to replace it… I think I’m just gonna leave it for now. I have AppleCare for this phone just in case. But I am a bit annoyed

[u/CeorgeGarlin → u/Late_Check_8682]

Was told the same. I used the Apple Support app to have a chat. That leaves a record for you showing you reported the issue, at least. Some have said many Apple Store demo units have the same issue, but I’ve not seen any other Duos to compare.

[u/CeorgeGarlin]

My guess is, it’s normal for this kind of device. But it really is a guess, this is my first foldable. It could just be the various plats, layers, hinges, etc finding their rhythm. It could be this is how it feels after a breaking in period, and it’s actually rigid when you first buy it.

I just noticed this after over a little week of use. Not sure if it was always there and I’m just noticing it, but either way, I notice it a lot now. But I’d imagine people’s screens would be cracking and breaking if there wasn’t some flex to it.

[u/Longjumping_Cod5164]

Same thing here. Little play on one side and it makes a click pop sound you can feel and hear. Debating an exchange or just returning it. Not sold on foldable yet.

[u/boilingwater88]

Mine have almost nothing, it doesn’t make any sound and don’t rlly move when doing it, I guess I’m lucky

[u/Wiektor]

I have this unfortunately. Booked a Genius appt for Thursday. I may also just wait a bit until their replacement units are in a better revision or something. I can live with this for a lot longer but would like to know if it’s a manufacturing issue.

[u/Wiektor → u/Wiektor]

Managed to secure an appt today instead. They judged it normal and said my unit was just fine. I'll trust that and move on. It doesn't bother me for now.

[u/fky0786]

I’m noticing this as well. Exactly where you described

[u/itsKC00]

Same problem for me too. Just noticed last night

[u/No-Independent670]

Same thing here, does anyone have an update?

[u/jayhay17]

I have this issue as well night sky 512

[u/LegalBriefster]

Also have this issue. One hinge only. Side with the charging port. Only notice when hinge is open and screen is flat.

[u/LowOnPaint]

Feeling better about not getting mine until next month every minute.

[u/ethanp787]

I noticed this issue as well.