Apple’s foldable iPhone said to sport ‘liquid metal’ hinge 2.5x harder than titanium

Foldable iPhone concept
Per the Weibo account Instant Digital, Apple has opted for metallic glass, also known as amorphous metal or “liquid metal,” in the hinge design of the widely rumored foldable iPhone. Noted industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has earlier mentioned Apple’s adoption of “liquid metal,” a popular marketing phrase that refers to the same material.
Tim Hardwick for MacRumors:
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Unlike traditional metals that have a regular, repeating crystalline atomic structure, metallic glass features a disordered arrangement of atoms that is more resistant to bending, deformation, and denting. Achieved through rapid cooling techniques, its unique structure is 2.5x harder than titanium alloy. It also features a smooth, glossy finish that makes it aesthetically similar to stainless steel.
Beyond the mechanical benefits, the corrosion resistance of metallic glass also ensures the longevity of the hinge mechanism under varying environmental conditions…
According to Kuo, Apple has previously used metallic glass in smaller components like SIM ejector pins, but the iPhone Fold will mark the company’s first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. Dongguan EonTec is said to be the exclusive supplier of the amorphous alloy.
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.

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MacDailyNews Note: Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the foldable iPhone will feature a dual rear camera setup, one front camera, and a Touch ID sensor built into the power button. He also mentions it could be as thin as 4.5mm when unfolded, and just to 9mm–9.5mm when folded. Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman predicts that Apple’s debut foldable will carry a roughly $2,000 price tag and is slated to debut next year.
Further background:
Liquidmetal Technologies is the leading developer of bulk alloys that utilize the performance advantages offered by amorphous alloy technology. Amorphous alloys are unique materials that are distinguished by their ability to retain a random structure when they solidify, in contrast to the crystalline atomic structure that forms in ordinary metals and alloys. Liquidmetal alloys are harder than alloys of titanium or aluminum of similar composition.
Liquidmetal combines a number of desirable material features, including high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance, very high coefficient of restitution and excellent anti-wearing characteristics, while also being able to be heat-formed in processes similar to thermoplastics.
Liquidmetal Technologies has developed highly specialized alloys and a manufacturing process that allows cosmetic (down to 2 Ra, μin), high-strength (231 ksi), precision parts to be injection molded in a single manufacturing step. Liquidmetal alloys provide an economic advantage for parts with cosmetic surfaces, complex shapes with close tolerances, or forged titanium-grade strength.
Liquidmetal Technologies controls the intellectual property rights with more than 70 U.S. patents.
Check out this video (especially the ball bearing test starting at 1:42):

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