Rumour has it that Apple’s first foldable smartphone, expected to drop this September as the iPhone Ultra, is going to feature a liquid metal hinge.
This latest leak comes from a leaker on Weibo, who claims development is moving along at a rapid pace. In fact, prototypes have apparently already been shipped out to mobile network operators across the globe for some early testing ahead of the big launch.
A well-known leaker, Ice Universe, has also shared what seems to be a dummy unit of the iPhone Ultra on Weibo, allowing us to have a real-life look at the upcoming foldable iOS phone.
Now, despite the slightly sci-fi name, liquid metal isn’t actually a liquid at all. It is a special alloy with a disordered, non-crystalline atomic structure similar to glass, which is a massive departure from the rigid structure found in traditional metals. This unique makeup makes it incredibly elastic, meaning it can absorb huge amounts of everyday stress and snap back to its original shape without a hitch.
Because it is tougher than both titanium and stainless steel whilst remaining remarkably light, it is a bit of a dream material for a foldable. It also boasts a microscopically smooth surface, which should prevent the hinge from becoming loose or wobbly even after hundreds of thousands of folds.