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Door staff@engadget.com (Roger Fingas) - 26 Oct 2026
With a foldable phone, there's a whole extra screen to break, and the out-of-warranty repair costs for that can be astronomical. While the outer display is only 5.4 inches, Apple's service pricing page estimates a repair cost of $379 for it. The main attraction — that 7.6-inch, nano-textured inner screen — is listed at $999 for repairs. That's more than a new iPhone 17, or even an iPad mini with max storage.
As if that weren't enough, there's at least a $199 charge for repairing the back glass, while battery service and fixing the rear cameras are $229 apiece. There's also a blanket $1,499 cost for "other damage." Presumably, that's for the hinge, bending damage or anything involving the guts of the phone, such as its storage and processor. There's little else that could justify spending more than the base price of a MacBook Air.
Conversely, AppleCare+ is $20 per month or $200 annually, while AppleCare One is $20 per month for individuals or $50 per month for families. If you already have an AppleCare One family plan, or an individual plan with an older iPhone you're replacing, your new Duo would be covered at no additional cost. Otherwise, you're looking at either $400 or $480 for two years.
Before Apple's reduced AppleCare service fees, which range from $19 for cover layer fixes to $99 for "other" damage, those subscriptions are less than half the cost of repairing the inner display. Remember that AppleCare+ also covers theft and loss (with a $149 fee), not just accidents. That ongoing expense could save you another way if you're a frequent traveler or prone to setting your phone down and walking away.
As if that weren't enough, there's at least a $199 charge for repairing the back glass, while battery service and fixing the rear cameras are $229 apiece. There's also a blanket $1,499 cost for "other damage." Presumably, that's for the hinge, bending damage or anything involving the guts of the phone, such as its storage and processor. There's little else that could justify spending more than the base price of a MacBook Air.
Conversely, AppleCare+ is $20 per month or $200 annually, while AppleCare One is $20 per month for individuals or $50 per month for families. If you already have an AppleCare One family plan, or an individual plan with an older iPhone you're replacing, your new Duo would be covered at no additional cost. Otherwise, you're looking at either $400 or $480 for two years.
Before Apple's reduced AppleCare service fees, which range from $19 for cover layer fixes to $99 for "other" damage, those subscriptions are less than half the cost of repairing the inner display. Remember that AppleCare+ also covers theft and loss (with a $149 fee), not just accidents. That ongoing expense could save you another way if you're a frequent traveler or prone to setting your phone down and walking away.