Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone appears to be moving closer to reality. The latest iPhone Ultra Fold leak report suggests that the device has reached a critical development milestone. According to noted leaker Fixed Focus Digital, prototype units of Apple’s first foldable iPhone have now been shipped to carriers worldwide for testing, indicating that the company is making significant progress toward a commercial launch.
iPhone Ultra Fold Leak: Foldable iPhone Development Accelerates
In a recent update shared on Weibo, Fixed Focus Digital claimed that development and production activities surrounding the foldable iPhone are “progressing rapidly.” The leak report follows earlier claims that the foldable device will feature advanced vapour chamber cooling technology, reinforcing speculation that Apple is preparing a premium foldable flagship designed to compete with leading foldable smartphones in the market.
The reports are noteworthy as the company might be working on its carrier testing, which is one of the final stages before the smartphone enters mass production and commercial release. These tests help to make sure the network compatibility, performance optimisation and certification across different regions and mobile operators.
iPhone Ultra Fold Leak Update: Liquid Metal Hinge Could Be a Game-Changer
One of the most significant details emerging from the report is Apple’s decision to use a liquid metal hinge. The innovative material has been the subject of industry speculation for months and could play a key role in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing foldable devices, i.e., long-term durability.
Liquid metal is an amorphous metal alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Unlike traditional metal alloys, it can withstand repeated stress more effectively, making it an ideal candidate for a foldable smartphone hinge that must endure hundreds of thousands of opening and closing cycles.
Recent reports had suggested that Apple’s hinge design faced quality control challenges during extensive durability testing. However, the latest information indicates that the liquid metal hinge is now a confirmed and refined element of the device, potentially resolving previous concerns.
Apple’s foldable iPhone may not come cheap 👀
A new leak suggests Apple has finalized a Liquidmetal hinge for the iPhone Ultra.
The technology is reportedly difficult to mass produce, which could mean:
• Limited early availability
• Higher manufacturing costs
• Premium… pic.twitter.com/jahyorPuXv— Saurav (@Saurav_DJ47) June 3, 2026
Apple’s Long-Term Investment in Liquid Metal Technology
Apple’s relationship with liquid metal technology is not new, but it is something that actually started back in 2010, when the company secured an exclusive agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies. While Apple has previously used the material in smaller components such as the iPhone SIM ejector tool, incorporating it into a structural hinge represents a far more ambitious application.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the foldable iPhone would utilise a liquid metal hinge supplied exclusively by Dongguan EonTec. Additional supply chain reports have since reinforced expectations that Apple is committed to the advanced material for its first foldable device.
iPhone Ultra Fold: Expected Features and Specifications
Rumours suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch internal display paired with a 5.5-inch cover screen. The device is also expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 chip and include the C2 modem for improved connectivity.
Interestingly, leaked reports also indicate that Apple may replace Face ID with Touch ID, while retaining a dual-camera setup on the rear. The foldable iPhone is expected to target the ultra-premium segment, with pricing rumoured to begin at approximately $2,000.
iPhone Ultra Fold Likely to Launch in September
Reports from the supply chain suggest mass production could begin as early as July. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has indicated that Apple is still targeting a September unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, although final launch plans could still evolve.
With carrier testing underway and key hardware decisions seemingly finalised, Apple’s first foldable iPhone appears closer than ever to becoming a reality. If successful, the device could mark one of the company’s most significant hardware innovations in years and reshape the future of the iPhone lineup.
