• Cover layer damage: $49
• Back glass damage: $199
• Battery service: $229
• Rear camera damage: $229
• Outer display damage: $379
• Outer display and back glass damage: $509
• Inner display damage: $999
• Other damage: $1,499

Depending on the severity of the damage, repair fees can quickly skyrocket past the cost of a new handset, at which point you'd be better off just buying a replacement. It's also worth highlighting the $999 repair fee for the inner display, which one could argue is the most vulnerable piece of hardware on a book-style foldable.

Apple iPhone Duo repair costs are much more palatable with AppleCare+ - Image: Apple

Given that the starting price is $1,999 (256GB model), spending extra on an AppleCare+ plan is something iPhone Duo buyers should strongly consider. AppleCare+ costs $19.99 per month or you can snag it for a discounted $199.99 annual rate. With an AppleCare+ plan, here is what the fee structure looks like:

• Battery Service: $0
• Cover layer damage: $19
• Back glass damage: $29
• Outer display damage: $29
• Inner display damage: $99
• Other accidental damage: $99
• Theft or loss: $149

Those AppleCare+ repair deductibles are much more palatable, staring at $19 for cover layer damage and topping out at $149 for theft or loss. Meanwhile, a battery that degrades to below 80% capacity would be eligible for a free swap.

With iPhone Duo preorders kicking off on October 16 ahead of the device's retail debut on October 23, anyone planning to drop a couple grand (or more) on Apple's folding flagship should probably factor in an extra $200 (one year) to $400 (two years), or invest in a really good case and screen protectors (or both).

Paul Lilly