Apple is the company reportedly developing a foldable iPhone that would assist in fixing the basic issues hindering current foldable smartphones, for example, their durability and noticeable crease on the display. Apple’s foldable telephone is reported to have more sophisticated hinge technology, for the instance the use of liquid metal materials to make it more robust. The new technology will significantly improve the device’s durability but as well as its reliability.
Hinge mechanism is critical in the case of foldable phones, as not only does it maintain the folding mechanism but also impacts the overall durability of the phone. Apple is considering employing liquid metal, which is extremely flexible and resistant, to improve the wear resistance of the hinge. This material has already been used by Apple, in the SIM eject tool, and its application in the foldable iPhone may be a breakthrough in hinge technology.
In addition to liquid metal, Apple’s foldable iPhone will also feature other advanced materials, such as stainless steel and titanium alloy, in its construction. The titanium alloy will not only be used in the hinge but also as a casing material, bringing with it the advantages of strength and luxury appearance. The employment of these materials is intended to give confidence that the phone will be able to endure the rigors of everyday folding and unfolding without compromising its structure.
One of the biggest hurdles for Apple is reducing the crease on the screen when the phone is unfolded. This has been a major downer for most current foldable phones, both in terms of aesthetics and usability. Apple has been in close collaboration with its display suppliers, such as Samsung, to create a screen that does not fold and is not creased. Current reports indicate that this challenge has been successfully addressed, owing to joint work between Apple and its suppliers.
The foldable iPhone will feature a book-style fold rather than a clamshell one. The design allows for a larger inner screen, which will be around 7.8 inches, and a smaller outer screen of around 5.5 inches. The phone will be very thin when folded, measuring between 9 and 9.5 mm, but this will decrease to around 4.5 to 4.8 mm when opened. This lightweight build is designed to both be functional and attractive.
The other notable aspect of the future foldable iPhone is the potential return of Touch ID in the side button. This move could provide the users with an additional biometric security element over Face ID, enhancing the user experience.
Apple’s foray into the foldable smartphone market is set to be historic, particularly given the company’s reputation for quality. Addressing areas of weakness in current foldables, like bending the screen and withstanding issues of durability, sets Apple in a strong position to join the fray and assert itself in the new category category. Even in the face of some of the challenges and setbacks involved, Apple’s commitment to innovativeness and quality foreshadows its foldable iPhone to set the industry to reset standards.
The release of Apple’s foldable iPhone is now scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, but this timeline can be adjusted based on progress and testing. While Apple continues to develop its design and technology, the buzz for this device is more likely to grow, which speaks volumes about the company’s ability to transform emerging technologies into mass phenomena.
