Apple's highly anticipated foldable smartphone, rumored to be named the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut this fall. Recent reports from a prominent leaker on Weibo indicate that the device will incorporate a liquid metal hinge.
This source claims that the development of the iPhone Ultra is advancing swiftly, with prototypes already dispatched to carriers around the globe for testing in preparation for its launch.
Notably, despite the name, "liquid metal" refers to an alloy that is not truly liquid. Unlike traditional metals, which possess a rigid, crystalline atomic structure, liquid metal features a disordered, non-crystalline atomic arrangement akin to glass.
The unique properties of liquid metal allow it to be highly elastic, absorbing significant amounts of stress while returning to its original shape flawlessly. Moreover, it is stronger than titanium and stainless steel, yet significantly lighter, with a microscopically smooth surface that prevents it from becoming loose or wobbly even after hundreds of thousands of folds.
The iPhone Ultra is anticipated to be officially unveiled in September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
