iPhone Ultra: Liquid metal hinge Apfelpatient

A new leak from China has revealed for the first time the specific material used for the iPhone Ultra's hinge: a liquid metal alloy. Simultaneously, initial prototypes are reportedly already with network operators worldwide for testing. This puts the spotlight squarely on the very component that was long considered the biggest stumbling block in manufacturing.

As Apple prepares for mass production of its first foldable iPhone, clues about its design and timeline are becoming increasingly clear. The latest information comes from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital and offers two key insights: a specifically named hinge material and a test stand for the device. Both fit into the existing picture of the iPhone Ultra, which envisions a technologically advanced, premium device in a book-like format. While none of this has been officially confirmed, the level of detail in the recent reports suggests that development may have entered a late stage.

A hinge made of amorphous metal alloy

According to the leak, the iPhone Ultra's hinge will use liquid metal – an amorphous metal alloy whose atomic structure differs from conventional crystalline metals. The report states that development and production are now "progressing rapidly." This information comes just one day after claims that the same device will feature a vapor chamber for cooling.

The choice of material would be technically obvious. Liquid metal offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio than conventional alloys and is also more resistant to corrosion and wear. These are precisely the properties that matter in a foldable device: The hinge of a foldable smartphone must be able to open and close hundreds of thousands of times over the device's lifespan without showing signs of fatigue. It is therefore the most stressed mechanical component and also determines how difficult it is to open such a device in case of damage – a point closely related to the repairability of the foldable iPhone.

Why the hinge in particular was controversial

The component has sparked conflicting reports in recent months. Another source active on Weibo, Instant Digital, attributed the device's manufacturing difficulties to the hinge: it failed Apple's quality control during long, high-frequency opening-and-closing tests. Fixed Focus Digital had previously contradicted this account, arguing that the hinge was not the primary cause of the problems. The current post now positions it as a resolved and fixed element of the design.

The question of material was also recently unresolved. As early as March 2025, analysts indicated that the hinge would use liquid metal, with Dongguan EonTec as the exclusive supplier of the alloy. A supply chain report from January confirmed these plans. Then, in April, there was a retraction: Apple was to weigh liquid metal against a 3D-printed titanium alloy. If the latest leak is accurate, this assessment would favor liquid metal.

Apple's long history with liquid metal

Apple's connection to the material dates back more than 15 years. In August 2010, the company secured a permanent, worldwide license through an exclusive agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies to commercialize the alloys in the consumer electronics sector. In the years that followed, however, liquid metal was only used in very small parts, most notably in the SIM card eject tool included with iPhones. For larger, load-bearing components, the material proved difficult to mass-produce for a long time.

Apple repeatedly extended its agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies, and the alloy has appeared in patent applications related to hinges and other moving parts over the years. A structural hinge would therefore be by far the most sophisticated application Apple has considered for the material – a significant leap from a niche accessory to a key functional component.

Prototypes at network operators as a milestone

The second part of the leak concerns the device's maturity level. According to the leak, prototypes have already been sent to network operators worldwide for testing. This would be a significant step: devices typically only reach this stage when they are sufficiently complete to undergo network compatibility testing and certification by mobile network operators – a process that immediately precedes commercial market launch.

Information regarding the timeline is circulating. In April, a planned start of mass production in July was mentioned. Sources close to Bloomberg recently stated that the device remains on track for a September debut – alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, this date has not yet been officially confirmed.

What else is circulating about the device

Beyond the hinge and release schedule, a fairly clear picture of the expected specifications is emerging. The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display. Inside, the A20 chip and Apple's own C2 modem are anticipated. Touch ID is expected to replace Face ID for unlocking, and the back will likely house two cameras. The starting price is expected to be around $2,000 – a level that would clearly place the device at the top of the iPhone lineup.

The hinge is moving from being a problem area to a selling point

Should the latest reports prove true, Apple would have transformed the component, which for months was considered the main cause of production delays, into a unique technological selling point. A liquid metal hinge, combined with prototypes already in the hands of network operators, would suggest that the most difficult development hurdle has been overcome. Until Apple officially unveils the device, however, this remains a rumor – albeit one that is increasingly forming a coherent overall picture. (Image: Shutterstock / Sonia Bonet)