Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Feature Liquid Metal Hinge To Achieve Better Fold Mechanism

Highlights

• Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone may feature a liquid metal hinge.
• It is designed for better durability, reduced creases and improved screen flatness.
• Manufactured by Dongguan EonTec and each unit costs is estimated to be around $9–$14.
• Expected in 2026, Apple’s foldable iPhone will compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Caption – Representative image of Apple’s future foldable phone. (Image credit – Gizmochina)

Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPhone and it could come with a liquid metal hinge for a more durable and seamless folding experience. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to use liquid metal technology in the hinge mechanism to improve screen flatness and reduce creases, one of the biggest issues with foldable displays today.

Kuo shared details of Apple’s plans in a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter). Kuo wrote, “Apple is focused on improving durability, enhancing screen flatness, and minimizing crease marks in its foldable iPhone design. To achieve these goals, key components like the hinges will be crafted from liquid metal using a die-casting process. As the exclusive supplier of liquid metal, EonTec is expected to be the primary beneficiary of this shift.”

Why Is Liquid Metal better?

The liquid metal hinge is expected to offer two major advantages:

• Better durability – It will help the foldable iPhone last longer.
• Reduced crease visibility – The display will look smoother with fewer signs of folding over time.

The hinge will reportedly be supplied by Chinese manufacturer Dongguan EonTec, with each unit costing between $9 and $14. “The ASP of liquid metal per foldable iPhone is estimated at RMB 70–100. Based solely on the first-generation foldable iPhone, EonTec could see revenue of RMB 1.5–2 billion—a potential 100–200% increase driven by this single order,” Kuo revealed.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumoured to launch in 2026 and will go head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Industry insiders suggest Apple’s device could be at least 20% more expensive than Samsung’s flagship foldables. However, the liquid metal hinge could be a major selling point.

This won’t be Apple’s first use of liquid metal as it has previously used it in small iPhone components like SIM ejector tools. However, this would be its most significant application yet.

Apple’s foldable debut will come with challenges. The 8th-gen Galaxy Fold will likely have refined multitasking software, and Chinese foldables have already tackled durability issues. However, the crease problem still remains, and Apple’s new hinge design could be the breakthrough that sets it apart.

FAQs

Q1. What innovative feature is Apple planning for its foldable iPhone?

Answer. Apple plans to use a liquid metal hinge to enhance durability, minimize crease marks, and improve screen flatness for a seamless folding experience.

Q2. Who is manufacturing the hinge for Apple’s foldable iPhone?

Answer. The hinge will be supplied by Dongguan EonTec, with each unit priced between $9–$14, significantly boosting the manufacturer’s revenue.

Q3. When is Apple’s foldable iPhone expected to launch, and who are its competitors?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumored to launch in 2026, competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other foldable devices in the market.

Also Read: Apple Enables AirPods Max Update with Lossless Audio Support and Wired Playback, Launches USB-C to 3.5 mm Cable