Apple is gearing up to unveil something entirely new—a foldable iPhone featuring an innovative material known as liquid metal. Renowned analyst and insider Ming-Chi Kuo shared the scoop on his X account, shedding light on the company’s plans. This development promises to elevate the durability and aesthetics of foldable devices to unprecedented heights.

Liquid Metal at the Core

According to Kuo, Apple plans to extensively use liquid metal for the hinge—the linchpin of any foldable smartphone. Crafted via injection molding, this material tackles multiple challenges at once: enhancing the hinge’s strength, extending the device’s lifespan, and ensuring a seamless, crease-free screen surface. This could be Apple’s answer to the persistent issues plaguing competitors’ foldable gadgets.

The exclusive supplier of this liquid metal is Chinese firm Dongguan Eontec Technology. Kuo notes that by late 2024, the company had already produced over 10 million axial components using the material. While the exact share earmarked for Apple remains undisclosed, Kuo is confident this partnership will yield significant gains for Eontec.

From SIM Tools to Hinges

Liquid metal isn’t new to Apple—it’s been a staple in small parts like SIM card ejector tools for years. But in the foldable iPhone, it’s poised for a starring role in a critical component. Kuo estimates each hinge will cost between 70 and 100 yuan (about $10–14), a modest slice of the phone’s total price. For Dongguan Eontec, however, the foldable iPhone could generate 1.5–2 billion yuan in revenue, boosting its income by 100–200%.

Why It Matters

Foldable smartphones are a growing trend, but their Achilles’ heels—hinge wear and visible screen creases—remain unsolved. Apple seems poised to enter this arena with a game-changer. Liquid metal’s blend of toughness and flexibility could be the ace up its sleeve, promising a foldable iPhone that’s both durable and sleek.

What’s Next?

Kuo didn’t pin down a launch date, but his forecasts typically span a few years. If development is in full swing and suppliers are ramping up, an announcement might not come before 2026—fitting Apple’s meticulous approach to perfecting innovations before release.

Conclusion

Rumors of a foldable iPhone with liquid metal suggest Apple isn’t just chasing trends—it’s crafting something groundbreaking. Leveraging advanced materials and a partnership with Dongguan Eontec Technology, the company aims to deliver a device that wows with design and sets a new bar for reliability. While we await official word, one thing’s certain: Apple’s gearing up to stun the world again, and liquid metal might just be the key to this revolution.