(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
After many years of work, Apple is finally set to enter the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Fold. This device, which might also be called the iPhone Ultra, is said to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models later this year. Although Apple hasn’t officially announced the phone yet, a recent rumor from China gives details about its construction. It is suggested that it will use 3D printing technology for the hinge. This information comes from a post on Weibo by the tipster Fixed Focus Digital, translated from Chinese. According to the tipster, using 3D printed materials for the hinge may help minimize the appearance of the crease. The tech company located in Cupertino is thought to already have knowledge in this area since it employs 3D printed cases for the Apple Watch, and the USB Type-C port for the iPhone Air is also made with this technology. If this leak is correct, Apple would become one of the latest brands to use 3D printed materials for the hinge. Notably, Oppo has recently transitioned to a 3D printed polymer to fill the gap beneath the crease in its newest foldable, the Find N6. This move allowed the company to produce what it describes as a “Zero Feel” crease display.
The iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra might feature a dual-layer design of UTG and UFG glass, which would have the screen located between two fine sheets of glass. This arrangement is believed to prevent the screen from directly making contact with the hinge during folding, which could decrease the strain on the display and boost its longevity over time. According to earlier reports, the tech giant has been focusing on addressing crease-related problems for a while, with previous news indicating efforts to enhance both the display and hinge for greater durability and improved user experience. It is reported that Apple plans to order as many as 20 million foldable screens from Samsung Display, which is more than what was previously estimated. This increase in orders suggests there is a strong expected demand for the foldable iPhone, which is currently projected to release in late 2026.
