Apple has not finalized the hinge system for its foldable iPhone, widely rumored to arrive under the iPhone Ultra name. The company is still weighing two manufacturing paths, liquid metal and 3D printing, as it tries to balance durability, smooth folding, and production practicality.
The hinge decision matters because it will help define how refined the foldable display feels in daily use. If Apple gets it right, the device could land with a crease that is said to be extremely subtle, even approaching the level of Oppo Find N6.
Two manufacturing routes remain on the table
Fixed Focus Digital says Apple initially leaned toward liquid metal because early foldable iPhone output is expected to be limited. That option is not yet locked, however, because the company could still move to 3D printing if memory supply and production costs become easier to manage.
Liquid metal is an amorphous metal alloy that does not form the rigid crystal structure typical of conventional metals. As it cools, the material becomes a kind of metallic glass, giving the hinge high elasticity, better scratch resistance, and a stronger ability to return to its original shape.
| Hinge Option | Main Characteristics | Production Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Metal | Elastic, scratch-resistant, shape recovery | More complex and harder to manufacture |
| 3D Printing | More manufacturing-friendly | May be chosen if memory supply and costs improve |
According to Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is expected to decide on the hinge system by the end of July. If production planning improves, 3D printing could become the more practical choice because it is seen as simpler to manufacture than liquid metal.
Oppo Find N6 sets a difficult benchmark
The comparison point in the latest chatter is Oppo Find N6, which is being used as a benchmark for a very flat foldable display. The device uses a 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge with 3D Liquid Printing, a process that scans tiny gaps on the surface and fills them with photopolymer droplets to make the fold smoother.
Oppo has paired the Find N6 with a titanium alloy dome hinge and Dome Memory Glass, then described it as the flattest foldable display currently available. The phone also carries Rheinland certification for seamless folding in Germany and is claimed to withstand up to 600,000 folds.
| Device | Hinge Technology | Durability / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Oppo Find N6 | 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge, 3D Liquid Printing | 600,000 folds, Rheinland seamless folding certification |
| iPhone Ultra | Still choosing between liquid metal and 3D printing | Aimed at a very subtle crease |
Price is also part of the rumor cycle around the foldable iPhone. The base iPhone Ultra is said to be priced between $2,299 and $2,399, nearly twice the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.
That pricing would place heavy pressure on Apple to deliver something clearly distinct from rival foldables. For that reason, the hinge choice is not only a manufacturing question, but also a test of whether iPhone Ultra can meet the high expectations of the premium market.
