Rumors of delays for Apple’s long-awaited first foldable iPhone have been circulating in early July 2026, fueled by the device’s complex assembly and reportedly low initial yields. However, multiple insiders from Apple’s supply chain companies have pushed back strongly, telling Caijing She that the product is proceeding normally with no known postponements.
The design and production plans are already finalized, and relevant suppliers are in peak production season as of early July. Multiple sources explicitly stated that the September 2026 delivery timeline faces “no issues” and that they have “not heard” of any plans to delay the launch.
This reassurance comes amid mixed analyst forecasts. One well-known analyst had predicted relatively limited shipments in the second half of 2026 (around 7–8 million units total, with only 500,000–1 million in early Q3) and a high price tag of roughly $2,300–$2,500. Supply chain voices have reportedly pushed back against those more conservative volume estimates.
Liquidmetal Hinge: The Key to Durability and a Near-Crease-Free Display Experience
One of the most intriguing technical details supporting Apple’s ambitious timeline is the rumored use of Liquidmetal (also known as amorphous metal or metallic glass) in the hinge mechanism.
According to prominent supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to use Liquidmetal for critical hinge components (bearings/shafts), manufactured via a die-casting process. This marks the company’s first major application of the material in a structural mechanical part.
Apple has held exclusive worldwide rights to Liquidmetal technology for consumer electronics since 2010 (via a deal with Liquidmetal Technologies), but until now it has been limited to small components like the SIM card ejector tool.
Why Liquidmetal for the hinge?
• Its amorphous (non-crystalline) atomic structure makes it exceptionally resistant to bending, deformation, and denting.
• It is approximately 2.5× harder than titanium alloy while offering a smooth, glossy finish similar to high-end stainless steel.
• Superior corrosion resistance and fatigue strength suit a component that must endure hundreds of thousands of folding cycles.
• Precise die-casting enables tight tolerances, contributing to better screen flatness when unfolded and helping minimize the visible crease that plagues many competing foldables.
• It supports Apple’s goal of an ultra-thin design (rumors suggest the device could be around 4.5 mm thick when open).
The exclusive supplier for these Liquidmetal parts is reportedly Dongguan EonTec (also referred to as Yi’an Technology or related entities like Yihao Metal). The company had already shipped over 10 million central shafts for the hinge by the end of 2024 in preparation.
Later reports through mid-2026 indicate prototypes have reached carriers for network testing with the Liquidmetal hinge in place, and production continues to progress rapidly despite earlier yield challenges common to complex foldable mechanisms.
What to Expect from Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
The device is widely expected to be a book-style foldable rather than a clamshell. Rumored specs include:
• A large inner display around 7.8 inches when unfolded
• A cover display of about 5.5 inches
• Titanium frame elements for the body
• Premium pricing starting around $2,000
While exact details remain under wraps, the combination of a finalized design, active mass-production ramp-up, and advanced materials like Liquidmetal in the hinge suggests Apple is prioritizing durability, thinness, and a premium folding experience.
MacDailyNews Take: Supply chain confirmation that everything is on track for a September 2026 launch (likely alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models) is welcome news for fans who have waited years for Apple to enter the foldable category. If the rumored Liquidmetal hinge delivers on its promised advantages, Apple’s debut foldable could set a new benchmark for the category.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
Love it!!!