Apple Ships Foldable iPhone Prototypes to Carriers, Adopting Liquid Metal Hinge for $2,000 Device
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Jun 2
Apple Ships Foldable iPhone Prototypes to Carriers, Adopting Liquid Metal Hinge for $2,000 Device
3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Jun 2
Prototype foldable iPhones have been sent to carriers worldwide for testing, a milestone that suggests Apple has moved the device into network compatibility and certification work ahead of launch.
The handset will use a liquid metal hinge, according to the latest leak, signaling Apple may have settled a key design question after reports that hinge durability had complicated development.
Liquid metal offers higher strength-to-weight and wear resistance than conventional alloys, traits that matter for a foldable expected to survive hundreds of thousands of open-and-close cycles.
Apple has held consumer-electronics rights to the material since 2010 and was previously reported to be using Dongguan EonTec as supplier, though earlier leaks had said Apple was still weighing titanium alternatives.
Current expectations still point to mass production in July and a September debut, with a 7.8-inch inner display and a starting price around $2,000.