Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra rumored to feature metallic hinge that resists deformation

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Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra smartphone will reportedly use a liquid metal hinge that will resist deformation, improving durability and help minimize creases in the foldable screen.

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In a new post by a Chinese leaker, we're learning that Apple has used a metallic glass (amorphous metal) for the hinge mechanism inside of the foldable iPhone, something we've heard analyst Ming-Chi Kuo refer to Apple's use of "liquid metal" which is a common marketing term for the same thing.

The difference between regular glass and metallic glass is that traditional metals feature a regular, repeating crystalline atomic structure, compared to metallic glass that features a disordered arrangement of atoms that just so happens to be more resistant to bending, deformation, and denting -- perfect for an ultra-premium foldable iPhone.

This is achieved through rapid cooling techniques, where its structure is 2.5x harder than titanium alloy... it also packs a smooth, glossy finish that looks beautiful, and more like stainless steel. There seems to be mechanical benefits, but the corrosion resistance of metallic glass also means a foldable iPhone with this new tech will last longer, with less questions of the durability of the hinge mechanism in changing environmental conditions.

• Read more: Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra shares tech with iPhone 17 Air, releases in 2026
• Read more: Apple's first foldable iPhone rumored as the iPhone Ultra, should unfold on the market in 2026

We should expect Apple's first foldable iPhone -- which insider Mark Gurman thinks will be called the iPhone Ultra -- in 2026.