TL; DR
- A new leak claims Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra could use a liquid metal hinge.
- The material is known for its high elasticity, low weight, and resistance to long-term wear.
- The device is reportedly already undergoing carrier testing ahead of a possible September announcement.
Apple’s foldable iPhone has surfaced in another leak, this time with details about the hinge. According to information shared on Weibo, the company is evaluating a liquid metal-based hinge for the device that many reports now refer to as the iPhone Ultra.
The same source claims the project has moved beyond the early concept stage, with prototype units already being tested by carriers in multiple markets.
Why Liquid Metal Is Interesting
Liquid metal refers to a class of metallic alloys that use a different internal structure from conventional metals. Instead of relying on a rigid crystalline arrangement, the material has a more irregular atomic structure.
That gives it some unusual characteristics. It can tolerate repeated bending and stress while returning to its original shape, which is exactly the kind of workload a foldable hinge sees every day.
The material is also known for combining high strength with relatively low weight. Those properties could help Apple reduce wear inside the hinge mechanism while keeping the device thin and light.
Foldables Continue to Focus on the Hinge
Over the past few years, foldable manufacturers have spent a lot of effort refining hinges. Samsung moved through several hinge generations, OPPO focused heavily on crease reduction with the Find N series, and Huawei has experimented with different folding mechanisms across its lineup.
Apple appears to be taking its own route by exploring alternative materials. Whether the company uses liquid metal in the final product remains unclear, but the hinge has consistently appeared as one of the areas Apple is paying the most attention to.
September Launch Rumors Continue
Latest reports still suggest Apple’s first foldable could arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup later this year. It is said to feature a titanium hinge, 5,000 mAh battery, Touch ID, vapor chamber cooling, and a wide form factor, similar to the rumored Galaxy Z Fold8 (wide).
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