A new leak suggests Apple is still deciding between liquid metal and 3D printing for the hinge system of its upcoming foldable iPhone, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.
According to tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the device may feature a screen as flat as the Oppo Find N6, known for its minimal crease.
>>> OpenAI Retires ChatGPT Atlas Browser, Shifts Focus to Desktop App
The Oppo phone uses a 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge made with 3D Liquid Printing technology, which fills surface gaps with photopolymer droplets.
Apple has two options to achieve a nearly crease-less display: a liquid metal hinge or a 3D-printed hinge.
>>> BSNL Launches Satellite Phone for Areas Without Mobile Network Coverage
Initially, Apple was expected to use liquid metal due to limited production volumes, as the material offers high elasticity and scratch resistance.
Liquid metal is a specialized amorphous metal alloy that cools into a “metallic glass,” giving the hinge the ability to snap back to its original shape.
However, manufacturing a liquid metal hinge is more complex than 3D printing.
>>> Redmi Note 17 to Feature 7-Inch OLED Display and 8000mAh Battery
If Apple can secure better memory supply and costs from suppliers, it may ramp up production and switch to 3D printing technology.
The final decision on the hinge system is expected by the end of July, according to the insider.
>>> Casio Launches Five Edifice EFK-200 Automatic Watches in the US
The base iPhone Ultra model is rumored to start at $2,299 to $2,399, nearly double the price of the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.
