Foldable smartphones have been plagued with durability issues since their inception, with creases and hinge failures being common complaints. Apple appears to be taking a methodical approach to enter this market, with recent leaks suggesting an innovative solution to these persistent problems.
The Metallic Glass Advantage
According to recent reports from Weibo tipster Instant Digital, Apple has chosen metallic glass (also known as amorphous metal or liquid metal) for the hinge mechanism of its rumored iPhone Fold. Unlike conventional metals with regular crystalline structures, metallic glass features a disordered arrangement of atoms that provides exceptional resistance to bending, deformation, and denting. This material choice could represent a significant advancement in foldable device durability, potentially addressing one of the most critical failure points in current foldable smartphones.
Metallic Glass Properties:
- 2.5x more durable than titanium alloy
- Highly resistant to bending and deformation
- Corrosion-resistant
- Glossy, stainless steel-like finish
- Manufactured using rapid cooling techniques
- Supplier: Dongguan EonTec
Technical Properties and Benefits
The metallic glass hinge is reportedly 2.5 times more durable than titanium alloy, achieved through specialized rapid cooling manufacturing techniques. Beyond its structural advantages, the material offers substantial corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity across various environmental conditions. Aesthetically, the metallic glass provides a smooth, glossy finish similar to stainless steel, reminiscent of the frames used in iPhone 14 Pro models.
Apple's Experience with the Material
While this would mark the first major component in an iPhone to utilize metallic glass, Apple isn't entirely unfamiliar with the material. The company currently uses it for SIM ejector pins, suggesting they have some manufacturing experience with the substance. According to the leak, Dongguan EonTec will be the exclusive supplier of the metallic glass components for the iPhone Fold.
Expected Specifications and Design
The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch main foldable display paired with a 5.5-inch cover screen. Unlike flip-style foldables, Apple's design appears to follow the book-style format similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold and Google's Pixel Fold. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously suggested the device will include a dual-camera system on the rear and a single front-facing camera, with Touch ID rather than Face ID for authentication—reportedly due to the thin profile of the device making it difficult to incorporate the necessary Face ID components.
Rumored iPhone Fold Specifications:
- Main display: 7.8-inch foldable screen
- Cover display: 5.5-inch screen
- Rear cameras: Dual camera system
- Front camera: Single camera
- Authentication: Touch ID (no Face ID)
- Hinge material: Metallic glass (amorphous metal/liquid metal)
- Expected price: USD 2,000
- Expected release: 2026
Pricing and Availability
According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026 with a price tag of approximately USD 2,000, positioning it as the most expensive iPhone to date. This premium pricing aligns with the current market for foldable devices, which typically command higher prices than traditional smartphones.
Software Integration Remains Critical
While hardware innovations like the metallic glass hinge address physical durability concerns, software optimization will be equally crucial to the iPhone Fold's success. How Apple adapts iOS for a foldable form factor remains to be seen, but the company's historical strength in software-hardware integration could provide an advantage in delivering a cohesive user experience.