No, no, no: do not peel off the nano-texture layer from the internal screen of the iPhone Duo

I can’t believe I even have to say this out loud: Don’t be the idiot who breaks his new $2,000 iPhone Duo by peeling off the nano-texture layer covering the interior screen.

This morning, YouTuber Quinn Nelson, aka Snazzy Labs, shared on X a list of AppleCare+ prices that Apple will charge for various repairs, replacements, and maintenance for the upcoming iPhone Duo. Notably, the “cover layer” for the interior screen will cost $19, which is good news, because it’s certainly better than paying to replace the entire screen if only the surface is damaged.

Interestingly, the Nano Texture “cover layer” is covered (ha) separately from the inner screen.

For one, AppleCare+ is non-negotiable on this phone. On the other hand, I’m really happy that the franchises are largely the same as other iPhones! pic.twitter.com/AM3HhIKhfV

— Quinn Nelson (@SnazzyLabs) October 1, 2026

Tech journalist Nicolas Lellouche chimed in, saying: “Apple told me at the event that you would be able to replace the nano-textured cover at any time to reduce the crease or remove the damage. Technically speaking, you can remove it yourself and have a brilliant screen.”

“This is a game changer if you prefer a glossy screen on the iPhone Duo with much better contrast rather than a less noticeable crease,” said YouTuber Vadim Yuryev, who runs the popular Max Tech channel that mainly compares Apple devices.

With all due respect, don’t do that. I repeat: do not remove the nano-textured layer from the internal screen of the iPhone Duo yourself just to get a glossy screen.

Simply because Apple repair gurus can professionally Replacing the topcoat doesn’t mean you, John Smith, should try it. I’m pretty sure that when Apple VP of Hardware Engineering Kate Bergeron told content creator Angelina Siciliani Fendi that the cover layer is “actually replaceable, which is a really good thing for the customer because you can take that layer off and get a new one,” the executive wasn’t telling customers they would have to remove the cover themselves.

That would be very, very stupid, even if you know how to use a heat gun correctly. Not only will you risk damaging the screen and the pixels underneath, but you will also reduce the durability of the screen with each folding and unfolding. This could also prevent Apple Pencil support (coming later this year) from working properly. And even if the Apple Pencil support still works, its tip would damage the screen with each touch.

While I understand that some people look at the nano-texture layer on the screen and are unhappy that it makes colors less vibrant and blacks less deep, the layer is a fundamental part of the iPhone Duo: it protects the screen while reducing the visibility of the crease.

It’s like people learned absolutely nothing when reviewers peeled the film off the original Samsung Galaxy Fold, only to discover that it would destroy the screen. After these initial incidents, Samsung included a message during setup to remind customers not to remove the film themselves.

So let this be a public service announcement: unless you to want To screw up your expensive new foldable iPhone and then cry about it on social media, don’t peel off the nano-texture layer. Even if you manage to remove it, don’t apply an aftermarket glossy screen protector either. You might end up breaking the screen and maybe even annoying the FaceTime camera under the screen. If you want a foldable phone with a glossy interior screen, Samsung or Xiaomi will happily sell you one.