iPhone Duo Marvel: Tom Marieb Celebrates the Longevity of Hinges and Screens

Apple’s Commitment to Durability in the iPhone Duo

Apple is sparing no expense when it comes to the hinge and screen quality of its upcoming iPhone Duo, aiming to alleviate any doubts ahead of the launch of its first foldable smartphone next month. In a recent discussion with Tech Radar, Apple’s Tom Marieb, who took over as the head of hardware engineering in April after John Ternus became CEO in September, shared insights into the extensive efforts to perfect these critical components.

“I am particularly proud of this aspect, as it required a significant amount of time to refine. One concern with this device was its perceived fragility due to its sleekness. People also seem wary about the Air, despite it honestly being one of the most reliable phones we’ve ever designed. So, we asked ourselves, ‘How can we design a hinge that feels incredibly solid both when opening and closing?’

The team focused intensely on the hinge’s resistance profile (torque), which involved tweaking many of its mechanical properties to achieve a feeling of robustness—akin to shutting a luxury car door. The goal was to reassure users, “Everything is fine. This is a well-crafted device, and I can use it confidently without worry.”

Moreover, considering the Duo’s frequent use in a semi-folded position, the team deliberated on how to allow users to interact with the device without feeling it was unstable or flimsy. They optimized resistance profiles at both extremes of its range and in intermediate positions to eliminate any excessive resistance upon opening or a lack of firmness.

Ensuring Long-Term Durability and Aesthetic Appeal

During the interview, another journalist inquired whether the choice of a nano-textured screen and the hinge design would contribute to the device’s longevity, noting that a common issue with current foldable smartphones is the increasing visibility of the fold over time. Marieb expressed strong confidence in their approach, inviting accountability:

“Hold us responsible for that, please[…] The decision to use a matte finish—not only for its aesthetic appeal—plays a part. With glossy screens, specular reflections make surface irregularities very easy to spot. That’s one of the reasons we chose a matte finish: it not only effectively reduces glare but also better conceals surface wear over time.”