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The inner display of the iPhone Duo looks more delicate than it actually is in everyday use. A good cloth is all you need, but there are a few things you should avoid. This is how I've been cleaning my Duo since it was released, and here's what Apple says about it.
The inner display of the iPhone Duo has a cover layer made of a polymer with nano-texture. It reduces reflections, setting it apart from the smooth displays of other iPhones. Apple explicitly mentions how to care for it in its cleaning instructions for the iPhone, and details are in the guide to nano-texture displays. I have been using the Duo as my main device since October 23, unfolded about 95 percent of the time.
Key Facts at a Glance
- For everyday use, a clean Apple polishing cloth or another microfiber cloth for displays is sufficient.
- Occasionally, Apple allows the cloth to be lightly moistened with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn stains.
- You must not remove the top layer yourself; Apple Service will replace it if necessary.
- Apple estimates the exchange will cost €19 with AppleCare and €55 without.
This is what you need for cleaning
Apple suggests three options for nanotexture: a clean Apple polishing cloth, another microfiber cloth for electronic displays, or a fabric made from a cotton-elastane blend. I'm using the new Apple polishing cloth.
Here's how to proceed:
- Disconnect all cables, switch off the Duo, unfold it and place it on a clean surface.
- Wipe the display with the clean cloth.
- For stubborn stains, only occasionally dampen the cloth lightly with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- If necessary, hand wash the cloth with dish soap and water, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry for at least 24 hours.
I wipe the screen once a day, purely out of habit; I've done that with all my iPhones. I haven't had any streaks so far; one wipe is enough.
Fingerprints are so noticeable
Fingerprints are significantly less noticeable on the inner display than on other iPhone displays, even though I always use Dark Mode. It depends on the angle of the light. In Light Mode, they're practically invisible.
They're most noticeable when the Duo is open on a table and I look at it from the side. Even so, I couldn't get them to show up in a photo for this article. I haven't noticed any dust on the crease or edges, nor any scratches or pressure marks. I mainly see the crease in bright light on a black loading screen; more on that in my first impressions of the iPhone Duo.
You should avoid these mistakes
Apple explicitly warns against removing the top layer of the Duo display, stating that, according to support, it is an integral part of the inner display. In my opinion, a protective film should not be applied to the inner display either.
Apple also lists further limitations for the iPhone:
- Do not use cleaning agents containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
- no compressed air
- No moisture in the openings and no immersion in cleaning agents.
For matte surfaces, which Apple also includes the Duo's inner display in, Apple also mentions traces of material transfer, such as from denim. This looks like a scratch, but can be removed in most cases.
How much it costs to replace the top layer
If all else fails, the top layer can be replaced. According to Apple's cost calculator, this is estimated at €19 with AppleCare and €55 without. Damage to the inner display itself is significantly more expensive.
This isn't something you can do at home. Apple's repair manual specifies a special tool, a pressure roller, and compressed air for this.
Not a raw egg, but secured
I don't take any special care when closing the phone and treat the Duo like any other iPhone. When I'm out and about, it's usually in the iPhone Duo Folio; originally, I wanted to use it without a case. But the kickstand is just too handy, especially for standby.
This is my experience after almost two weeks, not a long-term assessment. I haven't noticed any of the cracks in the internal display that Apple describes as a problem affecting a small number of devices. Anyone new to the Duo should simply use it and, for peace of mind, get an AppleCare plan, as it makes a serious issue much less painful.
How often do you use a cleaning cloth on your Duo or iPhone, and what do you use? Let us know in the comments whether you wipe daily or only when absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cleaning the inner display of an iPhone Duo
Use a clean Apple polishing cloth, another microfiber cloth for electronic displays, or a cotton-elastane fabric. Disconnect all cables and turn off the Duo beforehand.
Occasionally, yes. For stubborn stains, Apple allows the cloth to be lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide are not permitted.
No. Apple does not recommend using compressed air to clean the iPhone.
No. According to Apple, the top layer is an integral part of the inner display, and Apple warns against removing it.
Apple's cost calculator estimates 19 euros with AppleCare and 55 euros without.
Not necessarily. On matte surfaces, which Apple includes the internal display in, it could be a material transfer that looks like a scratch. In most cases, it can be removed.
Apple doesn't specify a fixed cleaning schedule. I wipe it daily out of habit, and fingerprints are significantly less noticeable on the inner display than on other iPhone displays.
