Khaberni - Apple is preparing for a major shift in the smartphone sector with its first version of a foldable iPhone, which will use new advanced materials including Liquid Metal and enhanced titanium in the device's manufacturing, according to new leaks.
The information also indicates that Apple will employ liquid metal, an amorphous material, in the hinge mechanism of the device, while the main body of the device will rely on a developed titanium alloy that combines high strength and light weight compared to previous versions.
Why Liquid Metal?
Liquid Metal is a unique material without a crystalline structure, which gives it high durability and excellent resistance to bending and repeated mechanical stress. These are very important qualities in foldable devices that require hinges that withstand thousands of opening and closing cycles.
Apple's relationship with this material began in 2010 when it obtained an exclusive perpetual global license from Liquidmetal Technologies to exploit its technologies in consumable electronic products.
Although Apple has used liquid metal in the past in small parts such as the SIM card eject tool, this will be the first attempt to use it in a main structural component in the device.
Improvements in Titanium
In addition to liquid metal, the device’s structure will contain a developed titanium alloy, a material known to provide an excellent ratio of strength to weight compared to aluminum or stainless steel.
The leaks show that this alloy will be stronger and lighter than ever before in existing iPhone devices, which helps to reduce the weight of the phone without sacrificing durability.
These developments come in the context of technical challenges faced in manufacturing foldable phones, especially in maintaining the durability of the structure and the flexibility of the hinge without affecting the overall design of the device.
Specifications and Release
According to the leaks, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, alongside the new iPhone 18 series. The device is expected to feature a book-like design with a large internal screen estimated at about 7.8 inches and an external screen of about 5.5 inches, as well as an A20 processor and C2 modem chip from Apple.
Experts predict that the device will also include two rear cameras, a side Touch ID sensor, and possibly a screen design without obvious creases when folded, which might make it a strong competitor in the foldable phone series on the market.
