Apple's folding iPhone may finally utilize its 16-year Liquid Metal research for the device's hinge, according to a new leak. Fixed Focus Digital's claim corroborates Ming-Chi Kuo's March 2025 prediction about liquid metal components. A prototype has reportedly been sent to "global operators" for testing, suggesting development is advanced.

Liquid Metal, which Apple first secured exclusive rights to in 2010 through a $10.9 million deal with Liquidmetal Technologies, offers superior strength—more than twice that of titanium—while remaining corrosion-resistant and elastic. Despite holding the technology for years, Apple has only used it for SIM tray tools. Its properties make it ideal for a folding device hinge that needs to withstand repeated bending.

This development could resolve previous reports of hinge problems potentially delaying the iPhone Fold. If Apple implements Liquid Metal in its folding phone, it may set an industry standard as predicted by Digital Chat Station. The move would represent a significant payoff for Apple's long-standing investment in the material and could differentiate its folding device from competitors.