The foldable iPhone, or iPhone Fold, as some on social media are already calling it, promises to be one of Apple’s launches of the decade. Rumors about the device are growing, and now the latest information is aimed directly at its revolutionary hinge.
According to the latest reports coming out of China, the Cupertino company has opted for a liquid metal alloy, also known as metallic glass or amorphous metal, to ensure the durability of the folding mechanism.
The foldable iPhone will be ultra-resistant
This decision represents a significant improvement over traditional hinges on foldable devices, which are often the weak point in terms of wear and tear and creasing of the screen.
The use of this material is no coincidence. Unlike conventional metals, metallic glass has a disordered atomic structure that makes it extremely resistant to deformation, corrosion, and impact. In fact, its hardness is 2.5 times greater than that of titanium, making it an ideal choice for a part that will be subjected to constant mechanical stress. In addition to its strength, this alloy features a smooth, shiny finish similar to stainless steel, which will give the foldable iPhone a premium aesthetic in line with Apple’s standards.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has previously experimented with this material in smaller components, such as the SIM ejector, but the iPhone Fold will be the first device to use it in a key structural element. The exclusive supplier of this alloy will be Dongguan EonTec, a company specializing in the production of amorphous metals for the technology industry.
In terms of device design, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a form factor similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, with a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch secondary display on the cover. It has also been leaked that it will have two rear cameras, a front-facing camera, and a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, which would indicate that Apple has not yet managed to integrate Face ID under the display.
Another striking aspect is its thickness. It’s said that when fully unfolded, the iPhone Fold will have a profile of just 4.5 mm, while when closed, its thickness will range between 9 and 9.5 mm. These dimensions would make it one of the thinnest foldable phones on the market, suggesting that Apple has worked on extreme optimization of the internal components.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
The iPhone Fold’s price won’t be affordable for everyone. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to launch it at around $2,000, which places it in the ultra-premium smartphone segment. However, this isn’t a surprise, as the company typically aims for high prices for its first-generation devices, especially when it comes to such innovative devices.
In addition to this foldable iPhone, Apple is also developing an 18.8-inch device with a flexible display, scheduled for 2027. While it’s still unclear whether this will be an iPad or a Mac, this news reinforces the idea that the company is betting heavily on foldable display technology.
Scheduled for release in 2026, the iPhone Fold promises to be a game-changer in the foldable market. Apple isn’t typically the first to adopt new technologies, but when it does, it strives to perfect them to the fullest. If the rumors are true, this device could mark a turning point in the smartphone industry.
