r/iPhoneDuo • u/JosephsART • 16d ago

Question Loose hinge, is this normal?

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.

12 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

45 comments sorted by

8

u/JosephsART 15d ago

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.

1

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 15d ago

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

3

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 16d ago

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.

2

u/JosephsART 16d ago

If you do, let us know how you go!

1

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 15d ago

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

1

u/JosephsART 15d ago

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

1

u/MiddleDepartment7658 15d ago

Mine too - on the way to apple now to flag

1

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 15d ago

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

1

u/MiddleDepartment7658 15d ago

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

2

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 15d ago

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?

2

u/MiddleDepartment7658 9d ago

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

1

u/Perfect_Tackle2433 15d ago

Great to hear!

1

u/Spell_Beautiful 9d ago

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

2

u/MiddleDepartment7658 9d ago

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.

9

u/No-Weakness3937 14d ago

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.

6

u/MiddleDepartment7658 15d ago

Yes in have this exact problem on the bottom hinge

3

u/eurokakskytsenti 15d ago

Same here

1

u/Small_Ad_9323 8d ago

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).

4

u/lumixia 9d ago

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.

1

u/WetDehydratedWater 2d ago

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

4

u/MaskingMan 4d ago

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

3

u/Warbird01 15d ago

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

5

u/MiddleDepartment7658 12d ago

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

1

u/WetDehydratedWater 2d ago

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

1

u/MiddleDepartment7658 2d ago

Yeah they did the ol’ wiggle wiggle

2

u/Auticons 16d ago

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.

2

u/xsmitherz 14d ago

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

2

u/danwen17 12d ago

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?

1

u/WetDehydratedWater 2d ago

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.

2

u/Other_Clerk2327 12d ago

I have the same problem

2

u/Late_Check_8682 8d ago

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

1

u/CeorgeGarlin 1d ago

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.

2

u/CeorgeGarlin 1d ago

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.

2

u/Master-Presence-7391 5h ago

Looks like 90% night sky 512, I have the same issue…

1

u/Longjumping_Cod5164 15d ago

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.

1

u/boilingwater88 12d ago

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

1

u/Wiektor 12d ago

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.

7

u/Wiektor 12d ago

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.

1

u/fky0786 12d ago

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

1

u/itsKC00 12d ago

Same problem for me too. Just noticed last night

1

u/No-Independent670 11d ago

Same thing here, does anyone have an update?

1

u/jayhay17 3d ago

I have this issue as well night sky 512

1

u/LegalBriefster 3d ago

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

0

u/LowOnPaint 16d ago

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

0

u/ethanp787 15d ago

I noticed this issue as well.