Apple May Use Liquid Metal in iPhone Fold

Latest supply chain rumours suggest Apple may be taking a different approach with its long-rumoured foldable iPhone by incorporating advanced materials described as liquid metal for the hinge mechanism (via MacRumors).

The term liquid metal refers to an amorphous alloy that lacks a regular crystal structure, making it stronger and more resistant to bending and repeated stress than many conventional metals.

This type of material has been the subject of Apple’s interest for many years, including a deal with Liquidmetal Technologies dating back well over a decade. While Apple has used the alloy in minor components such as SIM ejector tools and small internal parts, its use in large structural elements like a hinge would mark the first major application of the technology at this scale in an Apple device.

Analysts believe that using liquid metal for the central hinge will help Apple tackle two of the biggest challenges in foldable phone design. First, it could offer a higher level of resistance to fatigue and deformation over many folding cycles. Second, the enhanced strength may help reduce or eliminate the visible crease that appears down the middle of most foldable screens.

Alongside the liquid metal hinge, recent reports indicate that Apple may also use a revised titanium alloy for the device’s main body. Titanium has previously been celebrated by reviewers and durability testers for its strength and light weight, and Apple has incorporated the metal in recent smartphone models.

Details about the foldable iPhone’s final specifications continue to circulate, but many rumors point to a device with a widescreen inner panel measuring roughly 7.8 inches when unfolded, paired with an outer display near 5.5 inches.