Apple’s first foldable iPhone, colloquially dubbed the iPhone Fold but rumored to be officially called the iPhone Ultra, will feature a liquid metal hinge and a titanium frame, according to Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital. Apple has sent prototype units to carriers in different regions, which could mean that the project has reached a late testing phase and could reach the market around late 2026 or early 2027. In a Weibo post spotted by MacRumors, the leaker claims that Apple plans to use a bulk metallic glass alloy (commonly known as liquid metal) in the hinge, which can help boost durability and reduce long-term wear.
Liquid metal alloys have a non-crystalline atomic structure, which gives them higher elasticity and strength than conventional metals. In practice, this design choice may help the hinge stay tight and smooth after thousands of folds and could help reduce the crease that often appears on foldable displays.
Reports also indicate that Apple plans to pair this hinge with an improved titanium alloy frame to keep the device sturdy while minimizing its overall weight.
Rumors about the foldable iPhone’s specifications suggest it may have a 7.8‑inch inner display and a 5.5‑inch outer screen, run on an A20‑series chip, and use Apple’s C2 modem. Reports around biometrics are mixed, with most noting that Apple will likely be forced to skip Face ID because the technology won’t fit inside such a thin phone. Instead, fans speculate that the foldable iPhone will bring back Touch ID, perhaps on a side button that is accessible when the phone is folded or unfolded.
