Apple’s first foldable iPhone may be getting one of its most important design features finalized ahead of its expected launch. According to recent supply chain chatter, the long-rumored iPhone Ultra is now believed to use a liquid metal hinge, a major component that could help Apple deliver a thinner, stronger, and more refined foldable smartphone.
The iPhone Ultra has been the subject of leaks and speculation for months, with reports pointing to a premium foldable design aimed at competing in the growing foldable phone market. While Apple has not officially confirmed the device, industry watchers expect the company’s first foldable iPhone to debut later this year, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The latest claim comes from a Weibo leaker known as Fixed Focus Digital, who says Apple has decided to move ahead with a liquid metal hinge after extensive testing. Apple was previously rumored to be exploring this material for its foldable iPhone design, and the new report suggests the hinge has now met the company’s strict performance and durability requirements.
A liquid metal hinge could be a key upgrade for the iPhone Ultra. Foldable phones rely heavily on hinge engineering, as the hinge affects the device’s thickness, durability, folding smoothness, and display crease. By using liquid metal, Apple may be able to create a sturdier hinge mechanism while also reducing the visible crease on the inner display.
Reducing the crease is expected to be one of Apple’s biggest priorities. Many foldable phones have improved significantly in recent years, but the crease remains one of the most noticeable drawbacks of the category. Apple is reportedly working to make the iPhone Ultra feel more polished and premium, and a liquid metal hinge could help it deliver a smoother display experience.
Similar hinge technology has already been used by other smartphone brands to improve durability and minimize the crease effect. A 3D-printed liquid metal hinge can allow for tighter engineering, better strength, and a more seamless folding motion. If Apple adopts a similar approach, the iPhone Ultra could stand out as one of the most refined foldable smartphones on the market.
The report also claims that iPhone Ultra prototypes have already been produced and sent to global carriers for testing. This would suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone project is moving into a more advanced stage, especially if the company is preparing the device for a launch window later this year.
If the timeline is accurate, the iPhone Ultra could arrive in September with Apple’s next-generation flagship lineup. It is expected to be positioned as an ultra-premium model, likely priced above the standard Pro and Pro Max versions. With a foldable display, advanced hinge system, and Apple’s usual focus on build quality, the device could become one of the most talked-about smartphone releases of the year.
For now, Apple has not announced the iPhone Ultra or confirmed any details about its hinge design. Still, the latest reports suggest that the company may be close to bringing its first foldable iPhone to market. If the liquid metal hinge performs as expected, it could play a major role in making Apple’s foldable debut feel more durable, elegant, and ready for everyday use.
