Daily care
- Keep the hinge clear
Do not place cards, coins, grit, or a cable across the fold path. Close the phone only when the path is clear.
- Use a soft cloth
Wipe accessible surfaces with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use a tool to chase particles into a seam.
- Avoid pressure
Do not press the center crease, flatten the device beyond its intended position, or force it against resistance.
- Treat water as a stop
If the phone is wet, disconnect it safely, avoid charging, dry the exterior, and use Apple’s current liquid-exposure guidance or service.
Interpret a crease carefully
| Observation | Interpretation boundary |
|---|---|
| A visible center line | Apple says the crease is minimized, so visibility alone is not proof of failure. |
| A new crack, bubble, or line | Not a safe cleaning problem; stop physical experiments and document it. |
| Touch loss near the fold | Treat as a display symptom and seek service if it persists. |
| Hinge grinding or catching | Do not add lubricant or pry debris out; arrange inspection. |
What the water rating does not prove
Apple lists IP68 under a maximum depth and time condition. That is a resistance rating measured under specified conditions, not a guarantee against every liquid, pressure, age-related seal change, or repair outcome.
If the device was exposed to liquid, do not use rice, a hairdryer, or an inserted tool as a default “fix.” Record what happened and use Apple’s current support path. For a display symptom, go to the two-screen guide.
Confirmed
- Apple lists a titanium foldable design, Ceramic Shield, scratch-resistant inner-display coating, and IP68 resistance under specified conditions.
- Apple describes the crease as minimized rather than absent.
Provisional
- Long-term hinge durability, dust tolerance, and repair outcomes need independent evidence and cannot be inferred from the rating alone.
FAQ
Can I use compressed air to remove hinge dust?
Do not direct compressed air into the hinge or seams. Keep the device closed only as designed and seek service if debris affects movement.
Is a crease normal?
Apple says the crease is minimized, not eliminated. A line accompanied by cracking, bubbles, touch failure, or a change over time is a service signal.
Sources
- Apple iPhone DuoMaterials, hinge, crease, and water-resistance context.
- Apple iPhone Duo specificationsIP68 and display protection details.