Apple’s Liquid Metal Hinges and the Folding iPhone Outlook
Industry sources say Apple intends to embed liquid metal into the hinge of a folding iPhone to improve reliability and achieve a nearly flat display without visible creases. The plan centers on using a liquid metal formulation to create a hinge that resists stress and maintains plane alignment even under repeated folding cycles, a critical factor for user experience in premium foldable smartphones. The lead supplier for this material is expected to be Dongguan Eontec Technology, a company that would supply the core liquid metal compound under an exclusive arrangement with the Cupertino giant.
Apple has long integrated liquid metal in small components, such as tools used to eject SIM trays. The folding iPhone project would mark the first large-scale application of liquid metal across a major device line, signaling a broader shift in material science for smartphone design and manufacturing. The move could influence how future devices balance strength, weight, and heat management while maintaining a clean, flat surface when unfolded. The hinge concept, supported by liquid metal, aims to endure the rigors of daily use while reducing the risk of micro gaps that can collect dust or moisture, a key consideration for long term durability in North American and Canadian climates.
As of late 2024, Dongguan Eontec Technology reportedly produced more than 10 million axial components used in hinge assemblies. Specific parts tailored for Apple were not publicly detailed, but the scale indicates a major ramp in the supply chain for next generation foldables. If Apple proceeds, the relationship with Eontec would likely involve strict quality controls, sustained volume commitments, and tight coordination to support mass production in the United States, Canada, and broader Asia-Pacific markets. The arrangement would also necessitate robust logistics, supplier audits, and traceability to ensure consistent performance under diverse environmental conditions and usage scenarios.
Market chatter from Ming-Chi Kuo, a well known analyst, places the cost of liquid metal for a single folded hinge in the 70 to 100 yuan range. If the first generation of folding iPhones is launched, the contribution from Eontec could reach roughly 1.5 to 2 billion yuan in revenue, a substantial uplift that mirrors the company’s growing footprint in the component space. In USD terms that revenue shows up as a meaningful, yet portioned, impact on the supplier’s bottom line, with a comparable scale in Canadian dollars when trade dynamics are considered. This underscores the material’s strategic value for the supply chain and the markets to come in North America and beyond.
Industry observers have previously suggested a 2026 introduction for Apple’s foldable iPhone, a timeline that aligns with the broader push toward premium foldable devices in North American and Canadian markets. The move would not only push the envelope on durability and design but could also set a new standard for supplier partnerships in the region. Analysts emphasize that exclusive sourcing from a single supplier helps manage quality and continuity, yet it also concentrates risk if component availability or pricing shifts. The development signals a significant shift in how high end smartphones are engineered, with material science playing a starring role in product differentiation and long term competitiveness across global markets.