Apple is reportedly developing its first-ever foldable iPhone, and according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant is likely to use liquid metal in the hinge mechanism of the upcoming device. This advanced material could significantly improve the hinge’s strength, reduce visible creasing on the inner display, and set a new benchmark for foldable smartphones.
While Apple has yet to officially confirm any foldable device, multiple sources indicate a potential late 2026 launch, signaling a bold step into a market currently dominated by brands like Samsung and Oppo.
Key Supplier Yi’an Technology to Drive Innovation
Chinese firm Dongguan Yi’an Technology, a trusted Apple supplier, is expected to play a pivotal role in the project. According to Kuo, Yi’an has already delivered over 10 million hinge shafts—crucial components for the folding mechanism—by the end of 2024. These components are produced using a die-casting method that ensures higher strength and durability.
Yi’an’s exclusive involvement could lead to a dramatic surge in revenue, with forecasts suggesting a 200% increase in sales, totaling between CNY 1.5 billion to CNY 2 billion (approximately ₹1,780 crore to ₹2,370 crore).
Liquid Metal: A Game-Changer in Foldable Design
Though Apple has previously used liquid metal in small components such as SIM ejector tools, its integration into the hinge of a foldable iPhone would represent a major innovation. Liquid metal’s resilience and flexibility could solve one of the most persistent problems in foldable devices: the prominent crease that forms along the fold of the screen.
This new hinge design would potentially give Apple a functional and visual advantage over competitors by delivering a more seamless folding experience and longer-lasting performance.
Apple’s Entry into the Foldable Race
With the foldable smartphone segment gaining momentum, Apple’s move is expected to reshape the landscape. The combination of cutting-edge materials, like liquid metal, and Apple’s legacy of premium design could result in a market-disrupting foldable iPhone. If the device meets expectations, it could drive massive demand and reinforce Apple’s position at the forefront of smartphone innovation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
