Apple to Craft Key Foldable iPhone Components From Liquid Metal [Kuo]

Apple may use liquid metal to create essential components, such as hinges, for its anticipated foldable iPhone, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities. The premium device will allegedly debut with a titanium alloy design and a price range expected between $2,000 and $2,500.Kuo suggests the company would use a die-casting process to produce hinges, aiming to boost durability, enhance screen flatness, and minimize crease marks on a projected 7.8-inch inner display. While Apple has used liquid metal for minor parts like SIM ejector pins in the past, Kuo predicts its application in hinges would mark a substantial shift to mechanically critical components. Dongguan EonTec is poised to benefit significantly if it becomes Apple's exclusive supplier of liquid metal. By late 2024, EonTec had reportedly shipped over 10 million central shafts—hinge elements made from this material—hinting at its readiness for such a role.The foldable iPhone is envisioned as a book-style device with a 5.5-inch outer screen, potentially measuring 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm unfolded. Its outer casing is expected to feature titanium alloy, with the hinge blending stainless steel and titanium for durability and flexibility. Kuo estimates the average selling price of liquid metal per unit could range from 70–100 RMB. Should the first-generation model move forward, EonTec might see revenue of 1.5–2 billion RMB, a potential 100–200% increase from that order alone. With mass production speculated to start in Q4 2026 and initial shipments projected at 3–5 million units, the numbers could grow further if a second-generation device pushes totals to 20 million units by 2027.Continue ReadingShare Article:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, EmailFollow iClarified:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Newsletter, App Store, YouTube

Mar 21, 2025 - 20:05

Apple to Craft Key Foldable iPhone Components From Liquid Metal [Kuo]

Apple may use liquid metal to create essential components, such as hinges, for its anticipated foldable iPhone, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities. The premium device will allegedly debut with a titanium alloy design and a price range expected between $2,000 and $2,500.

Kuo suggests the company would use a die-casting process to produce hinges, aiming to boost durability, enhance screen flatness, and minimize crease marks on a projected 7.8-inch inner display. While Apple has used liquid metal for minor parts like SIM ejector pins in the past, Kuo predicts its application in hinges would mark a substantial shift to mechanically critical components. Dongguan EonTec is poised to benefit significantly if it becomes Apple's exclusive supplier of liquid metal. By late 2024, EonTec had reportedly shipped over 10 million central shafts—hinge elements made from this material—hinting at its readiness for such a role.

The foldable iPhone is envisioned as a book-style device with a 5.5-inch outer screen, potentially measuring 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm unfolded. Its outer casing is expected to feature titanium alloy, with the hinge blending stainless steel and titanium for durability and flexibility. Kuo estimates the average selling price of liquid metal per unit could range from 70–100 RMB. Should the first-generation model move forward, EonTec might see revenue of 1.5–2 billion RMB, a potential 100–200% increase from that order alone. With mass production speculated to start in Q4 2026 and initial shipments projected at 3–5 million units, the numbers could grow further if a second-generation device pushes totals to 20 million units by 2027.

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