Reports indicate that Apple is progressing with its plans for a foldable iPhone, with new leaks suggesting the potential integration of Liquid Metal technology. The device, expected to feature a book-style folding design, could be introduced by the end of this year, emphasizing advanced materials as a key highlight.
Liquid Metal for Enhanced Hinge Strength
According to information shared on the Korean platform Naver by user “yeux1122,” the hinge of the anticipated iPhone Fold may incorporate Liquid Metal. This would complement a titanium frame for the phone’s body. If these reports prove accurate, it would represent Apple’s first extensive application of Liquid Metal in a consumer device.
Liquid Metal, technically known as Liquidmetal, is a unique amorphous metal alloy developed by researchers at the California Institute of Technology. Unlike traditional metals, it lacks a crystalline structure, contributing to superior strength, flexibility, and resistance to repeated stress. These properties make it highly suitable for components that undergo frequent bending and folding cycles, such as a phone hinge.
Ultra-Slim Design and Future Prospects
The use of Liquid Metal is considered crucial for foldable smartphones, where the hinge is typically the most vulnerable point. Utilizing heavier materials like stainless steel could result in a bulkier device. Liquid Metal, being both lightweight and exceptionally strong, offers an optimal solution. Apple has previously filed numerous patents related to foldable device hinges and moving parts, often referencing materials similar to Liquid Metal, which helps maintain structural integrity while allowing for an ultra-thin design.
Sources suggest the iPhone Fold could achieve a thickness of less than 5.6mm when unfolded. Creating a robust and dependable hinge for such a slender form factor presents a significant engineering challenge, which Liquid Metal is poised to address by providing substantial strength within a minimal space.
Apple’s association with Liquid Metal dates back to 2010 when it secured an exclusive license from Liquidmetal Technologies for its use in consumer electronics. While its application has been limited to smaller components like SIM ejector tools in the past due to technical complexities, the iPhone Fold could mark a new chapter for this advanced material.
Anticipated Features and Launch Timeline
Current leaks provide a glimpse into the potential specifications of the iPhone Fold, including a 5.5-inch external display and a larger 7.8-inch internal screen, both expected to be high-refresh-rate OLED panels. It may feature a side-mounted Touch ID instead of Face ID, powered by an A20 Pro chipset, potentially more potent than the A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro.
The device is also rumored to sport a total of four cameras: two for selfies (one for each display) and a dual-camera system on the rear. A launch in September 2026 is speculated, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While official pricing is yet to be announced, estimates suggest a price point around $2,400 in the US, positioning the iPhone Fold as potentially Apple’s most advanced and expensive iPhone to date.
