Apple’s first foldable iPhone is being watched closely for one reason above all others: how it will handle the crease. The device, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra in recent leaks, is now being linked to a display that could look far flatter than many competing foldables.
That detail matters because the visible fold line remains one of the biggest weaknesses in the category. If Apple manages to reduce it meaningfully, the company could enter the foldable market with a stronger visual advantage than rivals that have already spent years refining their designs.
Two engineering paths are reportedly under review
According to reports cited by Gadgets360, Apple is weighing two manufacturing approaches to address the crease problem. Both are aimed at supporting a slimmer, more durable hinge system while improving how the inner display behaves when fully opened.
| Approach | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Metal Hinge | An amorphous metal alloy hinge design | Greater elasticity, strong scratch resistance, and long-term durability |
| 3D-Printed Hinge Structure | A more advanced hinge built from 3D-printed metal components | Fewer moving parts, improved rigidity, and lower weight |
The first option centers on a liquid metal hinge, which is said to offer higher elasticity because of its amorphous metal alloy structure. It is also expected to maintain scratch resistance and durability, two qualities that matter in a device designed to fold repeatedly.
The second option uses a more advanced 3D-printed hinge structure. Earlier reports suggest this design could reduce the number of moving parts in the iPhone Ultra while making the frame stiffer and the device lighter overall.
A thinner device and a very high price tag
Another point drawing attention is the target thickness. Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech previously said the hinge would be engineered to be extremely thin and “over-engineered” so the inner panel feels almost crease-free.
In that same reporting, the folded device was described as measuring just 4.5 mm thick. If accurate, that would make the iPhone Ultra thinner than the iPhone Air, which is listed at 5.6 mm.
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but the figures currently circulating suggest a starting point above $2,000, or around Rs. 1,88,000. If that estimate holds, the foldable iPhone would become the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.
For now, the iPhone Ultra remains in rumor territory, yet the direction of the leaks is consistent. Apple appears to be focusing on one of the hardest problems in foldables and is reportedly testing hardware choices meant to make the crease far less visible.