Apple to use liquid metal on 'iPhone Fold' to solve the one big problem

Apple has long been rumored to be preparing to release a foldable iPhone, but one major problem has prevented the company from doing so - the dreaded crease.

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Previous rumors about Apple's foldable developments indicated that the company gave its engineers a list of stipulations that needed to be met, one of which was to solve the problem of the crease seen on every major foldable smartphone device. One insider I reported on last month stated Samsung Display will provide the foldable screen for Apple's upcoming device, and that Apple's unnegotiable requirement to "make the crease disappear" meant having to obtain new materials and to take a step back from the entire design of the phone.

Now, a Chinese leaker has stated Apple has selected metallic glass (amorphous metal) for the iPhone Fold's hinge mechanism, which industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has referred to as "liquid metal". According to a report, the metallic glass differentiates itself from traditional metals in its disordered arrangement of atoms, which are more resistant to bending, deformation, and denting. The metallic glass is made through rapid cooling, and its structure means its 2.5% harder than titanium alloy, but it's also smooth and has a glossy finish that makes it look similar to stainless steel.

Given the durability of liquid metal, it makes sense to construct the iPhone Fold's hinge out of it, as the hinge is the part of the smartphone that is constantly under stress. The added durability of this material means the device may be able to achieve complete flatness when fully folded, which removes the crease entirely, or at least visibly.

As for the size, previous rumors indicate the iPhone Fold will arrive in a book-style design and feature a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover display. Reports indicate Apple is eyeing a release for its foldable iPhone next year for a hefty price point of approximately $2,000.

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