Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with a groundbreaking hinge design. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will utilize liquid metal technology for its foldable iPhone’s hinge mechanism.
Advantages of using liquid metal in the hinge
The liquid metal hinge, sourced from Chinese manufacturer Dongguan EonTec for $9 to $14 per unit, promises two key benefits over conventional designs:
- Enhanced durability for a longer product lifespan
- Improved screen flatness to minimize the visible crease
In fact, the crease is one of the biggest problems of foldable display devices to date, which not only affects the lifespan of the expensive foldable display panel but also diminishes the visual appeal.
The foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026, will directly compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Industry sources suggest Apple’s version could carry at least a 20% price premium over Samsung’s flagship foldables. The liquid metal hinge could become a key differentiator in this high-end competition.
Although, this won’t be Apple’s first experience with liquid metal. The company has previously used the material for small iPhone components like SIM ejector tools. However, this would represent its most substantial application to date.
While Apple’s entry validates the foldable market, it may face significant hurdles. Apple will need to establish the reliability of its first-generation foldable iPhone, which will likely be compared to the 8th generation Galaxy Fold in terms of software features catered to multitasking and the slick foldables from China in terms of crease and overall hinge mechanism. But it won’t likely have to justify the already expected premium price tag.
That said, this move could initiate an industry-wide shift toward liquid metal components for the hinge, potentially forcing Android OEMs to follow suit. Almost all the Android foldable smartphone makers have already addressed the durability concerns. But they are yet to solve the crease problem, It will be interesting to see how much success Apple achieves with the new hinge.
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