iPhone Ultra Leaks Getting Hotter! Apple Faced with Two Difficult Choices

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be one of the most flat-screen foldable devices (photo: x @VadimYuryev)

JAKARTA - Apple is rumored to still have not determined the hinge technology that will be used on its first folding smartphone, which is temporarily called the iPhone Ultra. The decision is believed to be one of the main factors that determine the quality of the folding screen, production capacity, and the selling price of the device.

The latest leaks say Apple is considering two different approaches, namely using a liquid metal hinge or using 3D printing technology. The final decision is said to be made before the end of July 2026.

If it manages to present a screen with a virtually invisible fold, the Ultra iPhone is expected to be a serious competitor for premium foldable devices that have already been marketed by Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei.

Apple Has Two Hinge Technology Options

The information was revealed by a Fixed Focus Digital leaker who claimed Apple was still evaluating two different hinge systems for the Ultra iPhone.

The first option is liquid metal, an amorphous metal material that is known to have high elasticity, scratch resistance, and the ability to return to its original shape after receiving pressure.

These characteristics are considered very suitable for folding devices that must open and close the screen hundreds of thousands of times during use.

The second option is 3D printing technology which allows the production of hinges with a faster process and lower costs.

Apple's decision is said to depend on supply chain conditions and component costs, especially memory, which is currently experiencing price increases due to high demand from the AI industry.

What is Liquid Metal?

Liquid metal does not mean metal in a liquid form. This material is a special metal alloy (metallic glass) that does not have a crystal structure like conventional metals.

The advantages include:

Elasticity is very high.

Resistance to deformation.

More scratch resistant.

High mechanical strength.

Suitable for components that experience repeated stress.

Apple is actually not a new player in the use of liquid metal. The company has held exclusive licenses for a number of applications of this material for years and has used it on small components such as SIM ejector tools. However, its application as the main mechanism of the hinge of a folding device will be a much bigger leap.

3D Printing Faster Produced

Another alternative is to use 3D printing technology. This approach allows for a more efficient manufacturing process so that Apple can increase production volumes if demand is high.

According to rumors, if Apple manages to reduce the cost of memory supplies through negotiations with suppliers, the company has the opportunity to choose this technology because it is easier to produce on a large scale than liquid metal hinges.

The rumor emerged after Oppo's success in presenting a folding screen that is almost without folds on the Oppo Find N6. The device uses a second-generation Titanium Flexion Hinge hinge produced through 3D Liquid Printing technology.

The technology uses laser scanning to detect microscopic gaps, then fills them with photopolymer droplets to produce a more precise structure.

Oppo also claims that the Find N6 can last up to 600,000 folds and has obtained the "Seamless Folding" certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Apple Wants to Eliminate Screen Folds

Until now, one of the biggest challenges of folding smartphones is the appearance of a crease in the middle of the screen. According to Fixed Focus Digital, Apple wants to present a fold that is equal or even better in quality than the Oppo Find N6.

If successful, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be one of the most flat-screen foldable devices in the industry.

In addition to the hinge technology, the leak also mentions that the price of the iPhone Ultra will not be cheap.

The basic variant is estimated to be priced between US$2,299 to US$2,399 or around Rp37.2 million to Rp38.9 million (exchange rate Rp16,200 per US dollar).

The price is almost double compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and makes the iPhone Ultra the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever marketed.

iPhone Ultra Specifications (Rumor)

Apple's first foldable smartphone.

Liquid metal hinges or 3D printing.

Screen with very minimal fold marks.

Production is decided at the end of July 2026.

Prices start at US$2,299–US$2,399.

The launch is expected in September 2026.

Apple's decision on hinge technology will be a determining factor in the success of the Ultra iPhone. The use of liquid metal has the potential to produce a stronger, more durable mechanism and provide a premium opening-closing experience, but the production process is more complicated and expensive. On the other hand, 3D printing technology offers higher manufacturing efficiency to support mass production.

At the same time, Apple must also consider cost pressures due to rising global memory chip prices. If the company chooses a more expensive hinge amid a surge in component costs, the selling price of the Ultra iPhone could be even higher.

The decision, which is said to be taken by the end of July, will not only determine the design of the device, but also the production strategy and Apple's competitive position in the premium foldable smartphone market.