iPhone Duo Teardowns Reveal Dual-Battery Design and Repair Challenges [Video]

iPhone Duo teardown videos reveal how Apple has divided its first foldable's components between two halves, with a battery in each and some difficult repairs beneath the folding screen. Phone Repair Guru and REWA Technology have both taken the device apart, showing its internal layout and the work needed to remove key components.

Both teardowns show a larger 2,962 mAh battery and a smaller 1,921 mAh cell, for a combined capacity of 4,883 mAh. The cells use electrically activated adhesive, allowing them to be released by applying an electrical charge rather than pulling stretch-release tabs. Their energy ratings are 11.56 Wh and 7.5 Wh, respectively.

The circuit boards are split between a logic board and a separate sub-board connected by a flexible cable, rather than using a stacked sandwich design. The A20 Pro sits on the main board, and a vapor chamber occupies that side of the phone. The opposite half uses an aluminum alloy plate.

REWA's video also shows why removing the rear cameras takes extra work: an antenna wraps around the camera assembly and overlaps its flex cables, so it must come out first. Elsewhere, the USB-C port is a separate, screw-secured component.

The Touch ID button is less straightforward. Phone Repair Guru manages to remove the power button and fingerprint sensor assembly, but describes the process as extremely difficult.

Removing the inner display proves time-consuming too. The same teardown spends about an hour prying it free, with the screen still working after reassembly. However, its surrounding frame cannot be fitted back as it was and needs replacement. REWA separately shows extensive adhesive beneath the inner display and bracket attachment points welded to the frame.

iPhone Duo launched on October 23, starting at $1,999 in the U.S. Apple has also published its iPhone Duo repair manual, with procedures for both batteries, the displays, hinge-related disassembly, and Touch ID/Camera Control buttons.