Foldable iPhone May Use Liquid Metal Hinge

According to a new report, the long-rumoured foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’ will feature a high-tech hinge constructed from “liquid metal” for superior durability and a crease-free display for users (via MacRumors).

While foldable devices have improved significantly over several generations, the hinge remains a primary point of failure. Existing hinges often rely on complex mechanical parts that can wear out over time or allow dust and debris to enter the device.

Liquid metal, specifically a class of amorphous alloys, offers a potential solution. These materials are known for being significantly stronger and more elastic than traditional stainless steel or titanium, allowing for a hinge that is thinner yet more resilient.

By using liquid metal, Apple could theoretically produce a foldable iPhone that avoids the crease issue that has plagued many early folding phones. The flexibility of the alloy allows it to snap back to its original shape without the microscopic deformations that occur in standard metals. This would ensure that the device remains flush and sturdy even after years of being opened and closed thousands of times.

Apple is no stranger to liquid metal. The company has held various exclusive licenses for amorphous metal alloys from Liquidmetal Technologies for over a decade. While we have seen this material used in small components like the SIM card ejector tool or internal brackets in older iPhones, a foldable hinge would be its most high-profile application to date.

The move to liquid metal also aligns with Apple’s design philosophy of “invisible” technology. A hinge made from this material can be engineered to be incredibly compact. This would allow the foldable iPhone to maintain a slim profile similar to the current iPhone 15 or 16 Pro models when folded, rather than feeling like two phones stacked on top of one another.

Rumours suggest that the first foldable iPhone will likely follow a clamshell design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, rather than a larger book-style tablet hybrid. This design is seen as more pocketable and appeals to a broader consumer base.