iPhone is said to use a metal finish for the hinge, giving this part superior hardness to titanium and a shiny appearance like steel.
Last week, famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities said that Apple is expected to use a smooth metal hinge for the iPhone Fold to ensure that the screen of the device does not fold. Over the weekend, the Instant Digital account shared more information about this material.
Accordingly, the finished metal, also known as amorphous alloy or glass metal, has some advantages over the materials currently used on smartphones such as aluminum, steel or titanium. It has an amorphous grain structure, better resistance to bending and deformation, and is said to be 2.5 times harder and more durable than titanium metal. In terms of aesthetics, the metal is shinier and more similar to the high-end stainless steel used on the previous iPhone Pro. Corrosion resistance also ensures the durability of the base in different environmental conditions.
These properties make liquid metal an option for foldable smartphone hinges, which are constantly under stress when folded and unfolded. The natural resistance to bending and wear also helps the screen flatten over time, reducing the formation of wrinkles.
However, this is only part of the solution, the rest lies in the structure of the device. Patents show that Apple has considered using a complex hinge mechanism to provide additional support at the folding point.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has used liquid metal to produce SIM ejectors, but the iPhone Fold will mark the first time the company has used the material in a key mechanical part. Chinese company Dongguan EonTec is expected to be the exclusive supplier of this amorphous alloy.
Previous reports have said that the foldable iPhone will have a 7.8-inch main display when opened and a 5.5-inch external display. The device will have a book-shaped design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, instead of a clamshell. It has two rear cameras, one front camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could be 4.5mm thin when open and 9 to 9.5mm thin when closed. The foldable iPhone is estimated to start at $2,300, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone. That's nearly double the starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199). It could go into mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026.