Apple plans to build its first foldable iPhone with liquid metal and a new form of titanium, based on fresh supply-chain information. The goal is clear: make a foldable device that stays strong, resists wear, and remains light enough for daily use.
Liquid Metal Hinge
According to the Korean Naver user known as “yeux1122,” citing a materials company source, Apple will use liquid metal for the hinge in its first foldable iPhone.
Liquid metal, also called an amorphous metal, does not have a crystal structure. Because of that, it resists bending, holds its shape under pressure, and performs well when parts move again and again. These traits make it a strong fit for hinges, where durability matters most.
Apple has studied this material for more than a decade. In 2010, it secured exclusive rights to use Liquidmetal Technologies’ patents for consumer electronics. Since then, Apple has used the material in small parts, such as SIM ejector tools, and continued to explore it in patents. Scaling it for major components remained difficult. Now, with a foldable design, Apple seems ready to put it to real use.
Lighter Titanium Body
For the body, Apple plans to use a revised titanium alloy. Titanium already offers a better strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum or stainless steel. Foldable phones, however, face extra pressure due to their size and hinge structure.
To solve this, Apple appears to be changing both the alloy itself and how it is made. The aim is to increase strength while cutting weight, even when the surface area stays the same. This foldable model would be Apple’s fourth iPhone to use titanium, giving the company room to refine the formula.
Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone this fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Reports point to a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. Other rumored features include a crease-free display, the A20 chip, Apple’s C2 modem, two rear cameras, and Touch ID.
In short, Apple appears to be betting on advanced materials to make its first foldable iPhone durable, lighter, and ready for everyday use.
