Overview
- iFixit’s teardown, published on Sunday, October 25, used CT scans and a 3D hinge model to identify plausible failure points including a central support bar that may not retract fully and curved hinge rails that can press on the curved display where the flex cable crosses.
- Multiple early buyers reported inner-display cracks, bright or dead pixel lines, and audible popping or crunching during folding, and Apple has replaced some affected units without disclosing how many are impacted.
- The repairability score is a provisional 5 out of 10 because replacement parts are not yet available, and iFixit says the inner screen and hinge will be the hardest and most time-consuming repairs.
- iFixit’s fluorescent-powder dust test and independent durability checks found some particles reach the hinge and make it crunch, reinforcing classic foldable vulnerabilities despite an IP68 rating.
- Limited spare-part stocks and high out-of-warranty charges — iFixit cites roughly US$999 for an inner-display service in the U.S. — mean owners may face long waits and big bills, making AppleCare or replacements central to near-term consumer impact.