Foldable phones have been around for years, but Apple has preferred to watch from the sidelines before jumping into the fray. Now, various leakers agree that the first iPhone Fold with liquid metal hinge It is beginning to take shape and the project is already entering its final phase of development.
Leaks suggest that this first foldable phone from the brand will arrive with a very clear strategy: to reinforce the most delicate point of any folding device, The hingeUsing a material rarely seen in mobile phones, called liquid metal, the device is designed to strike a delicate balance between durability, lightness, and a design that isn't bulky in your pocket.
A liquid metal hinge to attack the Achilles' heel of folding cars
In all current foldable phones, the critical zone is the same: the hinge that allows you to open and close the phone Hundreds of times a day for years. That's where the rumors place the main difference of the iPhone FoldApple has reportedly decided to use liquid metal, a family of amorphous metallic alloys with far superior mechanical properties to those made of traditional materials such as steel or aluminum in this type of parts.
This liquid metalOriginally developed at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), it is characterized by not having an internal crystalline structureIn practice, this translates into high resistance to deformation, high tolerance to continuous mechanical stress, and excellent wear resistance. Exactly what's needed in a part subjected to... thousands of folding and unfolding cycles throughout the device's lifespan.
It should be noted that, despite its name, It is not a metal that is in a liquid state. We talk about a solid alloy It can be processed using techniques similar to those used in thermoplastics, allowing for the molding of complex, thin components without sacrificing rigidity. This combination makes it a logical candidate for a hinge that needs to be thin, lightweight, and yet very robust.
Apple has been involved with this material for over a decade. In 2010, it signed an agreement. exclusive license agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies for the use of its intellectual property in consumer electronics. Since then, liquid metal has appeared tentatively in small parts, such as SIM card removal tools or internal components, but had never made the leap to a key structural element what the hinge of the iPhone Fold would look like.
The latest leaks indicate that this leap forward would occur precisely with this foldable model. The company would leverage the advantages of liquid metal in the hinge to reduce play, creaking and premature failure, plus minimize stress on the flexible panelThis is a key aspect if you want to avoid early screen degradation in the fold area.
Titanium chassis to keep weight and rigidity in check
Beyond the hinge, the rest of the device's body also aims high. Several sources agree that the The main chassis of the iPhone Fold would be made of titanium....in a revised alloy compared to the one Apple has already used in several generations of its Pro models. The goal would be clear: to increase structural strength without significantly increasing the weight in a format that already integrates more components.
Titanium offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum and steelThis allows for the construction of thin, rigid frames. In a foldable phone, where two halves are joined by a hinge and a battery is divided into several cells, this added rigidity helps prevent unwanted twisting and improves the feeling of solidity when opening and closing the device.
In recent months, rumors have also surfaced mentioning the possible presence of aluminum in the structureWhether in the form of hybrid parts or alternative versions designed to reduce costs. However, the most recent leaks focused on the flagship model point more strongly to a high-end approach, combining liquid metal in the hinge and titanium in the chassis to differentiate this first foldable phone from the rest of the catalog.
Choosing titanium wouldn't be without its challenges. It's a more expensive and complicated material to machine than aluminum, which could increase manufacturing costs. Even so, in a product that will clearly be positioned in the ultra-premium segment of the European marketApple might prioritize the feeling of quality and durability over saving on production costs.
In any case, the combined use of liquid metal hinge and titanium frame It would seek the same goal: to make the iPhone Fold feel solid and light at the same time, avoiding the "brick" feeling that some first-generation foldable phones still suffer from.
Screens, format and design: a book-like foldable with unusual dimensions
In terms of design, leaks place the iPhone Fold in the group of book-style foldable phones, closer to a tablet format when unfolded. There is talk of a internal screen around 7,7 inches and an external screen near the 5,4-5,5 inchThese figures are repeated with slight variations depending on the source. This approach would leave an interior panel with a proportion close to the format. 4:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of around 2.713 × 1.920 pixelsdesigned for tasks of light productivityNavigation or multimedia consumption with more space than a conventional iPhone. The more compact outer panel would allow the phone to be used folded like a traditional smartphone, without forcing the user to constantly open it for quick tasks.
Rumors also indicate that Apple is working to minimize the visible crease on the inner screenTo achieve this, it would combine the use of a liquid metal hinge with new layers in the OLED panel and an encapsulation system in which the color filter would be placed directly on the protective layer, in order to simplify the structure and improve flexibility without sacrificing image quality.
Regarding thickness, figures of around 5,6 mm when the device is deployed and just over 11 mm thick when closed, which would place it among the thinnest foldable phones on the market if these measurements are confirmed. This is especially relevant in Europe and Spain, where a phone that isn't too bulky for everyday use is highly valued.
Another striking point is the possible bet on cameras integrated under the internal screen...at least on the main panel, following a similar design to that seen in some Samsung models. On the back, the most consistent leaks point to a... dual 48-megapixel modulealthough without detailing the exact combinations of sensors for now.
Internal hardware: next-generation processor and (temporary) goodbye to Face ID
Although some details are still to be confirmed, the heart of the iPhone Fold would consist of a A20 Pro chip accompanied by 12 GB of RAM and a C2 modem with next-generation 5G connectivity. This combination would place the device at the same level as—or above—the future Pro models in the mainstream range, which makes sense given its price point.
One of the most talked-about changes would be the possible disappearance of Face ID in favor of a Touch ID fingerprint reader integrated into the side button. This decision aims to free up internal space for the hinge, battery, and display assembly, as well as simplify the front, especially the external display, where a traditional notch would be difficult to justify in a next-generation design.
In the energy sector, several reports mention a dual-cell battery with a total capacity exceeding 5.500 mAhThis configuration would allow powering both screens and the advanced hardware without increasing the thickness, a key factor in a foldable phone that aims to compete in lightness with models already established in the European market.
Regarding the camera system, in addition to the dual rear module, the presence of two front camerasOne screen is linked to the external display, and the other is integrated into the internal display, possibly beneath the panel. This way, the user could make video calls or take selfies with the phone both open and closed, better adapting to different usage scenarios.
The combination of these components positions the iPhone Fold as a device clearly aimed at those looking for the latest in hardware and design, assuming very high pricesIt doesn't appear to be a high-volume model, but rather a kind of technological showcase with which Apple will test the reaction of the European market to its first foldable device.
Release schedule and expected price in Europe
Regarding dates, the various sources are beginning to converge on a relatively clear timeframe. The iPhone Fold would, in principle, be unveiled... in the second half of 2026probably at the same event where the iPhone 18 Pro is announced. However, several leaks suggest that the Actual store availability could be delayed until early 2027, something that would not be unusual in such a complex product.
This strategy would allow Apple to gain time to refine production and fine-tune the manufacturing of the liquid metal hinge, a much more delicate component than usual. It would also provide time to coordinate staggered regional releases, which is crucial for its arrival in [regions/countries]. markets such as Spain and the rest of Europewhere logistics and regulations can add some complexity.
In terms of price, initial estimates place the iPhone Fold in a range of between 2.000 and 2.500 dollars, which would translate into figures that would be around 1.850-2.300 euros after applying the usual European exchange rate and tax adjustments. Other, somewhat more aggressive, sources directly mention a price around 2.499 Euros for the community market.
With these figures, the iPhone Fold would be positioned above even the iPhone 18 Pro Max models, entering squarely into the ultra premium range of foldable phones And it will be competing head-to-head with devices like the most advanced Galaxy Z Fold. Therefore, it won't be a product for everyone, but rather for a market that prioritizes being at the forefront of innovation.
If the analysts' predictions hold true, Apple still has room to grow. adjust materials, optimize hinge production, and define your business strategyBut the message from these leaks is clear: the first foldable iPhone won't seek to surprise by surprise, but rather through the level of obsession put into the design of its hinge and the choice of each of its key materials.
With everything leaked so far, the iPhone Fold with a liquid metal hinge is shaping up to be a device designed to enter the folding segment With a firm step: a hinge reinforced with amorphous alloys to withstand years of use, a titanium chassis that prioritizes rigidity and low weight, unusually sized screens focused on comfort, and top-of-the-line hardware accompanied by clearly exclusive prices. If Apple manages to bring all these pieces together, its debut in the world of foldable phones could mark a turning point in how the European market perceives this category of mobile devices.
