Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, could finally bring one of the company’s oldest experimental technologies into a mainstream product.
According to a new leak, Apple has selected a liquid metal hinge design for its upcoming foldable smartphone, a move that could mark the culmination of more than 15 years of research and development.
The latest claim comes from well-known Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who said on Weibo that Apple has finalized a liquid metal solution for the hinge mechanism of its foldable device.
The leaker also claimed that development and production are progressing quickly, with prototype units already being tested by carriers around the world.
If accurate, the technology could become one of the standout features of Apple's first foldable iPhone.
Apple’s long history with liquid metal
Apple first licensed Liquidmetal technology in 2010, sparking years of speculation that the material would eventually be used in future iPhones and other hardware.
The material is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear, making it a potentially attractive option for moving parts such as hinges.
Despite the early excitement, Apple has largely limited its use of the technology to small components such as SIM card ejector tools.
However, industry observers have long believed liquid metal could help Apple create thinner, lighter, and more durable devices.
Foldable iPhone rumours gain momentum
Reports linking liquid metal to a foldable iPhone are not new. Industry speculation dating back more than a decade suggested Apple could eventually use the material in a folding device.
A 2010 report even predicted that liquid metal might one day play a role in the hinge of an Apple foldable phone.
With multiple recent leaks pointing to an imminent launch, that prediction now appears closer than ever to becoming reality.
More leaks hint at September launch
The latest hinge rumor follows another recent report claiming the iPhone Ultra will feature a vapor chamber cooling system designed to improve thermal performance.
The same source suggested Apple remains on track for a September unveiling, potentially alongside its annual iPhone lineup.
While Apple has yet to officially confirm the existence of a foldable iPhone, growing reports indicate the company may finally be preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market.
What to expect next
If the leak proves accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become the first major Apple product to showcase liquid metal technology in a significant structural component.
For Apple, it would represent the payoff of a technological investment made more than 15 years ago. For consumers, it could signal a new chapter in the evolution of the iPhone as the company explores foldable devices for the first time.
.jpg)
