'iPhone Fold' to Feature Metallic Glass Hinge That Resists Deformation

Last week, we covered a report claiming that Apple's book-style foldable iPhone (or "iPhone Fold," as we are provisionally calling it here) will use liquid metal hinges to improve durability and help minimize screen creasing. Today, a Chinese leaker provided more details on the properties of this hinge material that help to clarify why Apple chose it for its first foldable device.

Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1
According to the Weibo account Instant Digital, Apple has chosen metallic glass (amorphous metal) for the iPhone Fold's hinge mechanism. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously referred to Apple's use of "liquid metal," which is a common marketing term for the same thing.

Unlike traditional metals that have a regular, repeating crystalline atomic structure, metallic glass features a disordered arrangement of atoms that is more resistant to bending, deformation, and denting. Achieved through rapid cooling techniques, its unique structure is 2.5x harder than titanium alloy. It also features a smooth, glossy finish that makes it aesthetically similar to stainless steel.

Beyond the mechanical benefits, the corrosion resistance of metallic glass also ensures the longevity of the hinge mechanism under varying environmental conditions.

These combined features appear to make it an ideal choice for the hinge – a part of the device that's constantly under stress from folding and unfolding. Its natural resistance to bending and wear could also help the screen stay flatter over time and reduce the chance of visible creases forming, both of which are common issues in today's foldable phones.

According to Kuo, Apple has previously used metallic glass in smaller components like SIM ejector pins, but the iPhone Fold will mark the company's first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. Dongguan EonTec is said to be the exclusive supplier of the amorphous alloy.

Previous reports suggest Apple's foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover display. The device is expected to adopt a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a clamshell form factor.

According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone may include two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could measure just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed.

Apple's first foldable device will have a ~$2,000 price point and is expected to launch next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is also believed to be developing an 18.8-inch foldable device for potential release in 2027, but it remains unclear whether it will be an iPad or a Mac.

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Top Rated Comments

Pitogyro Avatar
3 days ago at 04:27 am
If it doesn't have Apple Intelligence it's a hard pass for me. I just can't cope without.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
titanium69 Avatar
3 days ago at 04:49 am
"Hey Siri, close my iphone Fold"
...
...
"HEY SIRI, close my iphone FOLD"
...
"Alarm set for 6am"
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
3 days ago at 04:34 am
Metallic Glass. Scotty is that you? If so, beam me up.
#transparentaluminum

———-
As an aside, I initially misread that as amorous metal: Is that amorous metal in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iZac Avatar
3 days ago at 04:34 am
Oh oh - I get a chance to repost the size comparison I made to judge if the 5.5" outer screen is comparable to the iPhone mini at 5.4".

I struggled to guess if the two sides would butt up against each other, or if there is a central hinge / spine that they fold against. I settled on them folding similar to the current Samsung phones. My guess is this is strangely both bigger and smaller than an iPhone Pro Max.

This sketch doesn't actually show a hinge, which I guess would protrude like all the other current folding phones do.




Attachment Image
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MayaUser Avatar
3 days ago at 04:29 am
Amorphous metal its metal, with shiny to it...for people that doesnt know there is no glass in it they just have a glass-like structure
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iGüey Avatar
3 days ago at 04:56 am
No doubt Apple foldables will revolution the smartphone industry as the first iPhone did when Steve Jobs introduced it for the first time back in 2007.

For people who says that foldables is a gimmick or a solution in search of a problem, I just can say that foldables have the characteristic of deliver a big screen in a small form factor device, and if the device is a book-style, it can be 2 products in 1: iPhone and iPad Mini.

I’m all for Apple foldables. I’ve been waiting for this at least since 2019, as is stated in my MR signature.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)