Reports from multiple sources indicate that Apple's first foldable iPhone has entered a new phase of testing and is expected to launch later in 2025. Various claims have been made regarding the device's materials, specifications, and timeline.
Development and Testing
According to a leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital," Apple has shipped prototype units of its foldable iPhone to carriers worldwide for network compatibility and certification testing. The same source stated that development and production are progressing rapidly.
"Prototype units have been shipped to carriers globally for testing."
This report follows earlier claims from another leaker, "Instant Digital," who had attributed manufacturing delays to hinge failures during durability testing. "Fixed Focus Digital" had previously disputed that claim and now presents the hinge as a resolved component.
Material Composition
Multiple sources report that the foldable iPhone's hinge will be constructed from liquid metal, an amorphous metal alloy characterized by a high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. A source from a material company, cited by Korean Naver user 'yeux1122,' described liquid metal as offering resistance to permanent bending and durability under repeated mechanical stress, properties considered essential for foldable device hinges.
Liquid metal offers resistance to permanent bending and durability under repeated mechanical stress — essential properties for foldable hinges.
Apple has held a "perpetual, worldwide, fully-paid, exclusive license" to commercialize Liquidmetal intellectual property in consumer electronics since 2010. The company has previously used the material only in small components, such as the SIM ejector tool. Scalability for high-volume structural components has been noted as a previous challenge.
Previous Reports on Hinge Material
- Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March 2025 that the hinge would use liquid metal, with Dongguan EonTec as the exclusive supplier.
- A January supply chain report corroborated that plan.
- In April, "Fixed Focus Digital" had cast doubt on the plan, suggesting Apple was still considering a 3D-printed titanium alloy.
The primary body of the device is expected to utilize a refined titanium material. This new alloy and manufacturing process are intended to enhance strength while reducing weight, according to the material company source cited by 'yeux1122.'
Expected Specifications and Release
Various reports have provided the following rumored specifications for the device:
- Display: 7.8-inch inner display; 5.5-inch cover display
- Processor: A20 chip
- Modem: Apple's C2 modem
- Biometrics: Touch ID (rather than Face ID)
- Cameras: Two rear cameras
- Design: Wide, book-style folding design; reported to feature a crease-free display
Pricing and Launch Timeline
- Price: Rumored to start around $2,000
- Mass production: Possibly starting in July 2025 (DigiTimes)
- Launch: Expected in fall 2025 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models (Bloomberg's Mark Gurman)