Apple Develops Liquid Metal for Foldable iPhone, Eyes Titanium Return Beyond iPhone 18 Pro
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · May 19
Apple Develops Liquid Metal for Foldable iPhone, Eyes Titanium Return Beyond iPhone 18 Pro
4 articles · Updated · MacRumors · May 19
Apple is testing liquid metal and an improved titanium alloy for future iPhone Pro models, with neither material expected to reach the iPhone 18 Pro because design choices are already locked.
The push follows complaints that titanium iPhone Pro models overheated, while the current iPhone 17 Pro moved to aluminum as a stopgap to improve heat dissipation.
Apple is reportedly using both materials in its first foldable iPhone, where liquid metal could help keep the display flatter and reduce the crease marks common in folding screens.
The revised titanium is said to boost strength while cutting weight versus current titanium frames, and liquid metal offers high strength, corrosion resistance and malleability.
Mass production of liquid metal remains difficult and costly, but if foldable manufacturing scales up, Apple could later bring the material to Pro models.
Can Apple's 'Liquidmetal' hinge and new titanium frame make the foldable iPhone Ultra a success?
Is Apple’s return to titanium the real fix, or is it the advanced thermal technology inside?
How will Apple balance demand for premium materials with EU laws requiring easier-to-repair iPhones?