Foldable iPhone: For years, Apple fans have watched from the sidelines as Samsung, Motorola, and other manufacturers released increasingly sophisticated folding smartphones. The question wasn’t if Apple would join the foldable revolution, but when—and more importantly, how they would solve the persistent problems that have plagued these devices.
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The Wait Is Almost Over: Apple’s Entry Into the Folding Future
Now, we finally have our answer.
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone is not only in development but will feature a groundbreaking innovation: liquid metal hinges. This technological leap could potentially solve the most frustrating issues with current foldable phones, particularly the dreaded screen crease that develops over time.
The foldable iPhone represents Apple’s most significant design innovation since the original iPhone’s introduction in 2007. As with many Apple products, they weren’t first to market—but they may have found a way to be the best.
How Liquid Metal Will Transform the Foldable iPhone Experience
When you hear “liquid metal,” you might think of the shape-shifting antagonist from Terminator 2. While not quite as dramatic, the real-world material is nonetheless remarkable.
Liquid metal is an alloy with unique properties that make it ideal for precision components. It combines the moldability of plastic with the strength and durability of metal. The implementation of liquid metal in the hinge mechanism addresses durability concerns that have plagued other foldable devices.
“The use of liquid metal for the foldable iPhone’s hinge component is expected to improve durability and reduce screen creasing issues,” Kuo noted in his report. “This represents a significant advancement in foldable device technology.”
Apple has previously used liquid metal in smaller components like SIM ejector tools, but this marks its first major application in a critical mechanical part. The unique properties of liquid metal allow for both strength and flexibility, making it ideal for folding mechanisms.
Foldable iPhone Hinge: The Engineering Behind Apple’s Liquid Metal Solution
The foldable iPhone hinge manufactured using liquid metal will be supplied exclusively by Dongguan EonTec, according to supply chain sources. This partnership highlights Apple’s commitment to finding specialized suppliers for critical components.
What makes this approach special? Traditional hinges in foldable phones use multiple small components that can wear down over time. The foldable iPhone hinge appears to leverage liquid metal’s unique properties to create a more unified structure.
Engineers have focused on creating a foldable iPhone hinge that minimizes screen creasing while maintaining durability. The material’s natural elasticity allows it to flex repeatedly without developing the fatigue that affects conventional metals.
Apple Flip Phone: Specifications and Features of the Upcoming Device
While Apple hasn’t officially announced the device, supply chain reports and analyst predictions paint a clear picture of what we can expect from the upcoming Apple flip phone.
The foldable iPhone will reportedly feature:
- A large 7.8-inch main display when unfolded
- A 5.5-inch cover display for use when folded
- A book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series
- Two rear cameras and one front camera
- Touch ID integrated into the power button
- Remarkably thin profile: just 4.5mm when unfolded
- 9mm to 9.5mm thickness when folded
The Apple flip phone is expected to command a premium price point above $2,000 at launch, positioning it firmly in the luxury segment of the smartphone market.
Apple Liquid Metal Technology: Previous Applications and New Innovations
Apple’s history with liquid metal technology dates back to 2010, when the company acquired exclusive rights to use the material in consumer electronics. Apple liquid metal technology has been used in smaller components like SIM ejector tools since then, but its potential has never been fully realized—until now.
The properties of Apple liquid metal technology include high strength, elasticity, and corrosion resistance. These characteristics make it particularly well-suited for components that undergo repeated mechanical stress, such as a folding hinge.
What’s particularly interesting is how Apple has apparently solved the manufacturing challenges that previously limited liquid metal’s use to small components. The die-casting process mentioned in Kuo’s report suggests Apple and its partners have developed new methods to work with this notoriously difficult material at a larger scale.
iPhone Flip Phone vs. Competitors: What Sets Apple’s Approach Apart
The iPhone flip phone will reportedly include Touch ID integrated into the power button rather than under-display technology. This practical approach focuses on reliability over cutting-edge biometrics.
When we look at the current landscape, several key differences emerge in Apple’s approach:
| Feature | Apple’s Approach | Competitor Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge Material | Liquid metal | Various metals and polymers |
| Screen Crease | Minimized through material innovation | Accepted as unavoidable |
| Authentication | Side-mounted Touch ID | Under-display fingerprint or face recognition |
| Software | Optimized iOS for folding form factor | Adapted Android with varying degrees of optimization |
| Thickness | Ultra-thin (4.5mm unfolded) | Typically thicker (6mm+ unfolded) |
Unlike competitors who rushed to market, the Apple folding phone has been in development for years to ensure reliability. This patient approach aligns with Apple’s historical strategy of refining technologies before adoption.
The iPhone flip phone represents Apple’s strategic response to growing consumer interest in foldable technology. By waiting and watching the market evolve, Apple has identified the pain points that need solving.
Apple Folding Phone Release Timeline and Market Impact
The Apple folding phone is expected to enter mass production in Q4 2026, with a potential launch in early 2027. This timeline gives Apple ample opportunity to refine both the hardware and software experience.
The foldable iPhone release date positions Apple as a later entrant to the market compared to Samsung and Huawei. However, this delayed entry is typical of Apple’s approach to new product categories—they weren’t first with smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches either.
Apple has not officially confirmed a foldable iPhone release date, but supply chain reports point to production starting in Q4 2026. This extended timeline suggests Apple is taking a methodical approach to ensure the product meets their quality standards.
Foldable iPhone Release Date: What We Know About Apple’s Timeline
According to industry analysts, here’s the expected timeline for Apple’s foldable device:
- 2025: Finalization of design and manufacturing processes
- Q4 2026: Beginning of mass production
- Late 2026/Early 2027: Potential market release
- 2027-2028: Expansion of the foldable lineup with additional models
This gradual rollout strategy allows Apple to gauge market response and refine their approach before committing to a broader product line.
Will the Foldable iPhone Become the Best Foldable Phone of 2027?
Apple’s entry into the market could potentially make the foldable iPhone the best foldable phone for iOS users. The company’s vertical integration of hardware and software typically results in a more cohesive user experience than competitors can achieve.
Reviewers typically evaluate the best foldable phone based on durability, screen quality, and software optimization. Apple’s strengths in display technology and software design could give them advantages in these critical areas.
Samsung currently dominates the best foldable phone category, but Apple’s innovation could shift the landscape. The Korean manufacturer has had years to refine their designs, but persistent issues like screen creasing remain.
The question isn’t whether Apple can make a foldable phone—it’s whether they can make one that lives up to their reputation for quality and reliability. If the liquid metal hinge performs as expected, they may have found the key to solving the category’s biggest challenge.
The Future of Folding: What Apple’s Innovation Means for Smartphones
Apple’s approach to foldable technology signals a potential shift in how these devices are designed and manufactured. Rather than accepting compromises like visible creases and limited durability, Apple appears to be addressing these fundamental issues through material innovation.
This strategy aligns with Apple’s historical approach to new product categories. They weren’t the first with a graphical user interface, MP3 player, smartphone, or tablet—but their refined implementations often defined these categories for consumers.
For the broader smartphone industry, Apple’s entry into foldables will likely accelerate innovation and competition. We can expect other manufacturers to explore alternative materials and designs in response to Apple’s approach.
For consumers, the real question is whether the benefits of a folding display justify the premium price. Apple’s entry might help answer this question by delivering a more refined experience that showcases the genuine advantages of the form factor.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been holding out for a foldable iPhone, the wait continues—but with a clearer end in sight. The 2026/2027 timeline means we’re still a few years away from seeing this device in person.
In the meantime, the foldable market will continue to evolve. Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and others will release new iterations of their folding devices, potentially incorporating some of the same innovations Apple is exploring.
For Apple enthusiasts, this news confirms what many have suspected: Apple isn’t ignoring the foldable trend but is taking their time to deliver a product that meets their standards. The use of liquid metal suggests they’re focusing on solving fundamental problems rather than rushing to market.
Whether the foldable iPhone will be worth the wait—and its premium price—remains to be seen. But Apple’s innovative approach to the hinge mechanism suggests they’re addressing the right problems, which bodes well for the final product.
What do you think about Apple’s approach to foldable phones? Are you excited about the liquid metal hinge technology, or do you think it’s too little, too late? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
