Like other foldable phones on the market today, the iPhone Duo comes with a protective layer on its main display. That protective layer can be replaced, but Apple charges extra for the service.
Apple Confirms the Protective Layer Is Replaceable
In an interview with content creator Angelica Siciliani Fendi, Apple’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Kate Bergeron, confirmed that the nano-coating layer on the iPhone Duo’s main display can be removed and replaced with a new one.
“Actually, that layer can be replaced, and that’s a really great thing for consumers because they can remove that layer and get a new one,” Bergeron said, as quoted by MacRumors on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
This protective layer is specifically engineered to minimize the visibility of the crease in the middle of the iPhone Duo’s main display. Bergeron explained that Apple invested significant engineering effort to ensure this layer stays in good condition for as long as possible.
When and Why You’d Need a Replacement
Over time, however, the layer can start to wear down, making the crease more visible as the phone ages. When that happens, iPhone Duo owners have the option to replace the protective layer rather than living with a more noticeable fold line.
How Much Does It Cost?
So how much does replacing the iPhone Duo’s screen protector actually cost? In the United States, customers who have purchased AppleCare+ can replace the protective layer for $19, roughly Rp 340,000.
Pricing for users without AppleCare+ hasn’t yet been disclosed, as it isn’t currently listed on Apple’s website. This leaves open the possibility that the replacement cost could be significantly higher for those without the premium coverage plan.
How Samsung’s Approach Compares
Samsung, meanwhile, offers one free screen protector replacement within 12 months of purchasing a Galaxy Z Fold or Flip device. This offer also extends to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
After that first free replacement, subsequent replacements cost $19 per unit, the same price as Apple’s AppleCare+ rate for the iPhone Duo. However, because Samsung includes one free replacement upfront, overall main-screen maintenance costs end up being cheaper for Galaxy Z Fold 8 owners compared to iPhone Duo owners, at least for the first year of ownership.
A Trade-Off Between Crease Visibility and Brightness
Both devices feature anti-reflective coatings on their internal displays, but there’s a notable difference in finish. The iPhone Duo uses a significantly more matte protective layer compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
As a result, the crease on the iPhone Duo’s main display appears less visible to the eye. However, that matte finish comes with a trade-off: the screen’s overall brightness and vibrancy appear somewhat dimmer compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s display finish.
What This Means for Foldable Phone Buyers
For anyone deciding between these two flagship foldables, screen protector maintenance costs and crease visibility are worth factoring into the decision, alongside more commonly compared specs like cameras, performance, and battery life.
Buyers who prioritize a less visible crease might lean toward the iPhone Duo’s matte finish, while those who want a brighter display and lower first-year maintenance costs might find the Galaxy Z Fold 8 more appealing.
Given that foldable phone screens remain more delicate and prone to wear than traditional smartphone displays, understanding these replacement costs and policies upfront can help buyers budget appropriately for long-term ownership, rather than being caught off guard once the crease becomes more noticeable after months of daily folding and unfolding.
