Kuo: Foldable iPhone to Feature Liquid Metal Hinges for Better Durability

Apple plans to use liquid metal in the hinges of its upcoming foldable iPhone to improve durability and reduce screen creasing, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent 1
Apple has reportedly chosen liquid metal, which is manufactured using a die-casting process, as a key component in addressing common issues with foldable devices. The design choice aims to enhance screen flatness and minimize the crease marks that typically plague folding displays.

Kuo notes that Apple has previously used liquid metal in smaller components like SIM ejector pins, but the foldable iPhone will mark the company's first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. Dongguan EonTec will reportedly be the exclusive supplier of liquid metal.

Previous reports suggest Apple's foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover display. The device is expected to adopt a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a clamshell form factor.

According to earlier information from Kuo, the foldable iPhone may include two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could measure just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed.

Mass production is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, suggesting a potential launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

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Top Rated Comments

contacos Avatar
5 weeks ago
I can't wait for an Apple solution to be honest. I love mine. Never going back to a non fold phone.



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Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CausticSoda Avatar
5 weeks ago

I never understood what do people do with these huge tables phones? Is it still a phone or is it a tablet? Or a tablet with a sim? I personally don't think a folding tables would be what I consider "an iPhone".
This is for people who want something the size of a phone in their pocket (that is their phone) that can be transformed into something with a larger screen. I've never understood why people find this a difficult concept to grasp and are so "anti". I'm not keen on one myself (at present at least) but I can understand entirely what it is for and why plenty of people will want it.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
5 weeks ago

rumours rumours that probably means nothing
The end product will speak for itself
But this site is MacRumors.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spike1999 Avatar
5 weeks ago
T1000 in small form factor...
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
5 weeks ago

I never understood what do people do with these huge tables phones? Is it still a phone or is it a tablet? Or a tablet with a sim? I personally don't think a folding tablets would be what I consider "an iPhone".
I use mine as a phone while I am out and about and unfold it for media consumption when I am on the couch or riding public transport. It's nice using the browser, email, WhatsApp and Instagram simultaneously without flipping back and forth between apps all the time.

One basic thing I always do is open the bank app in one window and my splitwise app right next to it. Makes it super easy to put in my expenses without going back and forth between apps and forgetting the number I just looked at while doing so. Another use case is browsing the web for hotels while comparing it to the results in the booking app
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
m.x Avatar
5 weeks ago
Liquid metal... that's a name I haven't heard in ages. It gives me flashbacks to rumors of that time (Liquidmetal-Based iPhone 5 to Launch at WWDC in June? ('https://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/18/liquidmetal-based-iphone-5-to-launch-at-wwdc-in-june/'), or Liquidmetal Used in iPhone 3G SIM Tool, Next iPhone Too? ('https://www.macrumors.com/2010/08/17/liquid-metal-used-in-iphone-3g-sim-tool-next-iphone-too/')). I can't believe thats more than 10 years ago, time really flies...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)