iPhone Fold may use a liquid metal hinge, new leak suggests

The long-rumored foldable iPhone, potentially called the "iPhone Fold," appears to be moving closer to reality with new details emerging about its construction. According to a recent leak, Apple is considering using a hinge made from liquid metal, a material the company has reportedly been exploring for over 15 years. This move would be a significant step in addressing the durability challenges that have plagued foldable devices since their inception.

The Liquid Metal Advantage

Liquid metal, technically known as amorphous metal, is a class of materials with an atomic structure that differs from traditional crystalline metals. Instead of a highly ordered lattice, its atoms are arranged in a disordered, glass-like state. This structure gives it several properties that are highly desirable for a foldable device's hinge:

• High Strength and Hardness: Liquid metal is significantly stronger and harder than even high-grade titanium alloys. This means the hinge mechanism can be made thinner while still resisting the physical stress of repeated folding and unfolding.
• Superior Elasticity: It can bend under stress and return to its original shape without permanent deformation. This is critical for a hinge that needs to perform thousands of cycles without developing a permanent crease or loosing its tension.
• Corrosion Resistance: The material is highly resistant to corrosion, which helps maintain the smooth operation of the hinge mechanism over the device's lifespan.

Apple has previously used liquid metal for specific components, such as the SIM ejector tool in some iPhone models, but applying it to a primary structural component like a hinge would be a major leap. The leak suggests this choice is aimed at minimizing stress at the folding point, a common failure area in current foldables.

An Upgraded Titanium Body

Beyond the hinge, the leak also points to an evolution in the device's chassis. The main body of the iPhone Fold is rumored to be constructed from a new, more advanced form of titanium. This isn't just a cosmetic choice; it's a functional one. The reported goal is to achieve greater structural rigidity while simultaneously reducing the overall weight compared to the titanium used in recent iPhone Pro models. A foldable device is inherently heavier and thicker than a standard slab phone, so any weight savings in the frame and body are crucial for user comfort.

Unusual Dimensions and Form Factor

The leak also provides specific details about the device's dimensions, which are notably unconventional. The iPhone Fold is said to feature:

• An inner folding display measuring 7.76 inches
• A cover display of 5.49 inches

This aspect ratio suggests a device that folds out into a squarer, more tablet-like shape, rather than the tall and narrow cover screens seen on some Android competitors. This design choice could be aimed at providing a more natural experience for both content consumption and productivity when unfolded. The smaller cover screen would prioritize quick interactions, notifications, and one-handed use, while the larger inner display would serve as the primary canvas for apps, media, and multitasking.

The camera system is also expected to be streamlined. The rumor mentions dual rear cameras, a configuration that would likely be shared between the inner and outer displays, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. This approach helps manage costs and internal space constraints.

Ecosystem and Market Context

If these rumors hold true, the iPhone Fold would represent Apple's first major foray into a new device category since the Apple Watch. The company's strategy has typically been to enter markets only after the technology has matured, allowing them to refine the user experience and address key pain points. The focus on a durable liquid metal hinge and a lightweight titanium body aligns with this philosophy, targeting the two biggest hardware challenges of foldable phones: longevity and portability.

The reported launch window of late 2026 for an early 2027 release gives Apple ample time to perfect these materials and manufacturing processes. This would place it in direct competition with the fourth or fifth generation of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, potentially allowing Apple to leapfrog competitors in key areas like durability and premium feel. For consumers, this would mean a more robust and refined foldable option, albeit likely at a premium price point. The success of such a device would also heavily influence app developers to optimize their software for a new form factor within the iOS ecosystem, potentially sparking a new wave of iPadOS-inspired multitasking features on a pocketable device.