Apple’s foldable iPhone rumored to feature Liquidmetal hinge for unmatched durability

An Apple U.S. Patent application illustration: “Electronic devices with flexible displays and hinges”
Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a game-changer in the smartphone market, with industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo providing fresh insights into its innovative design. According to recent reports, Apple is set to incorporate Liquidmetal, a high-strength amorphous alloy, into the hinge assembly of its first foldable iPhone, aiming to address common durability and screen creasing issues that have plagued competitors. This move could position Apple’s foldable device as a premium offering with a focus on robustness and a seamless user experience.
Apple is rumored to be leveraging Liquidmetal — also referred to as metallic glass or amorphous metal — for the hinges of its foldable iPhone. Unlike traditional metals with crystalline structures, Liquidmetal’s randomized atomic arrangement offers superior resistance to bending, deformation, and denting. This material, processed through a die-casting method, is 2.5 times harder than titanium alloy and boasts a glossy finish comparable to stainless steel, enhancing both durability and aesthetics. Apple’s use of Liquidmetal is not entirely new; the company has employed it in smaller components like SIM ejector pins, but its application in the foldable iPhone’s hinge marks its first significant use in a critical mechanical part.
In the U.S., iPhone 3G units shipped with a SIM ejector tool made of Liquidmetal
In July 2025, Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc. announced the formation of a joint venture, Hangzhou Feifeng Liquidmetal Co. Ltd., to establish a 71,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, China, for producing amorphous alloy products. The facility, located near major companies like Foxconn and Alibaba, will house up to 40 high-speed die-cast machines and is expected to begin operations in mid-2026. Liquidmetal Asia Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary, will own 70% of the joint venture, with an individual investor contributing 30% and $6 million in initial capital. The facility will be led by Professor Lugee Li, Chairman of Liquidmetal Technologies and founder of Eontec, focusing on leveraging the unique properties of amorphous alloys, such as high strength and elasticity, for applications like the rumored foldable iPhone hinge.
The foldable iPhone, expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, is anticipated to feature a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. Kuo suggests that Apple is prioritizing a crease-free screen, a common pain point in foldable devices from brands like Samsung. While the Liquidmetal hinge itself may not directly eliminate creases, its precision and durability are expected to complement Apple’s efforts to enhance screen flatness and maintain a minimum bend radius to prevent display fatigue. The hinge, combining stainless steel and titanium alloy alongside Liquidmetal, is designed to withstand repeated folding while maintaining tight tolerances.
Apple’s investment in Liquidmetal dates back to 2010, when it secured exclusive rights to use the material in consumer electronics. Developed by Liquidmetal Technologies, this zirconium-based alloy offers high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to be molded with precision akin to thermoplastics. The material’s unique properties make it ideal for the complex hinge mechanism required for a foldable device, potentially giving Apple an edge over competitors.

Dongguan Yihao Metal, a subsidiary of EonTec, is reportedly the exclusive supplier of Liquidmetal components for Apple, with projections indicating significant revenue growth—potentially RMB 1.5-2 billion (US$209-279 billion) from the first-generation foldable iPhone alone.
Beyond the hinge, rumors suggest Apple is exploring other innovative features for the foldable iPhone. The device is expected to forgo Face ID due to space constraints, opting instead for a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. It may include a dual-lens rear camera system, with 48-megapixel lenses, and dual front-facing cameras for folded and unfolded states. The device’s titanium alloy casing and high-density battery cells, similar to those rumored for the iPhone 17 Air, underscore Apple’s focus on a slim, premium design, with a thickness of just 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded and 9–9.5mm when folded.
However, this innovation comes at a cost. Kuo and other sources predict the first-generation foldable iPhone will retail between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it as a top-tier, ultra-premium device. Despite the high price, Apple’s loyal fanbase and the iPhone’s status as a must-have device are expected to drive strong demand, with shipment estimates of 3–5 million units in 2026 and up to 20 million by 2027, including a second-generation model.
While competitors like Samsung and Huawei have dominated the foldable market, their devices often face criticism for visible creases and durability concerns. Apple’s meticulous approach, backed by its decade-long exploration of Liquidmetal and advanced hinge designs, suggests it aims to redefine the category. As Kuo notes, the foldable iPhone’s specifications are expected to be finalized in Q2 2025, with mass production slated for Q4 2026, setting the stage for a potential launch that could shake up the smartphone industry.
MacDailyNews Take: As anticipation builds, Apple’s foldable iPhone promises to blend cutting-edge materials like Liquidmetal with its signature design philosophy, potentially delivering a device that’s as durable as it is innovative. For now, all eyes are on Apple’s supply chain and further leaks to confirm whether this foldable iPhone will live up to the hype.

‎
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple’s foldable iPhone rumored to feature Liquidmetal hinge for unmatched durability appeared first on MacDailyNews.