Apple Reportedly Debates 3D Printing vs. Liquid Metal for Foldable iPhone Hinge
Conflicting reports suggest Apple has not finalized the hinge manufacturing process for its upcoming foldable iPhone, weighing 3D printing against liquid metal.
Recent claims from tipster Fixed Focus Digital suggest Apple is undecided on the hinge manufacturing technology for its anticipated foldable iPhone, potentially named iPhone Ultra. The company is reportedly considering both liquid metal and 3D printing, with a decision expected by the end of July. This contradicts earlier reports from the same tipster who had previously confirmed liquid metal.
Further complicating the narrative, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported last year that the hinge would utilize liquid metal, identifying Dongguan EonTec as the sole supplier. In contrast, The Elec reported late last month that Taiwanese company Shinjuxing and US-based Amphenol were already supplying 3D printed hinge modules for the device, which has reportedly entered test production. An industry official from Taiwan indicated that initial noise and defect rate issues associated with these 3D printed parts have been largely resolved.
If the latest claims are accurate, the choice may hinge on production volume. Liquid metal is viable at smaller scales but presents challenges for mass manufacturing. Apple's decision could be influenced by favorable storage pricing and other supply chain terms negotiated by the end of July, potentially leading to a shift towards 3D printing for larger production runs.
Apple already employs 3D printing in other product lines, such as manufacturing titanium cases for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 using laser powder bed fusion, a process that significantly reduces material waste. The company also uses 3D printing for the USB-C port on the iPhone Air. The application of 3D printing to the iPhone Ultra hinge would align with these existing manufacturing strategies and follow the lead of companies like OPPO, which has successfully implemented 3D printed titanium hinges in its foldable phones.
The debate between liquid metal and 3D printing for the iPhone Ultra hinge highlights the industry's ongoing pursuit of advanced manufacturing for complex components. 3D printing offers design freedom and material efficiency, crucial for foldable devices and high-volume production. This development aligns with the broader trend of additive manufacturing enabling intricate designs and novel functionalities in consumer electronics and potentially aerospace applications.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.