Recent tech circles are talking about the next generation iPhone The discussion heats up significantly, and multiple sets of real machine molds and material revelations have surfaced, allowing the outside world to piece together Apple’s next design blueprint from different angles for the first time. On one side is the iPhone 18 Pro, which is regarded as the key to the evolution of the annual flagship, and on the other side is the folding iPhone that has been rumored for a long time but has never been officially launched.
From body size, lens arrangement, to material selection and structural design, these leaked clues seem to point to the same thing. Apple We are preparing to make a substantial hardware adjustment. What exactly these changes mean and how they will affect the actual user experience is worthy of further dismantling and observation.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
iPhone Fold folding machine metal mold and protective case debut, volume button position changed! Expected to support MagSafe
If the iPhone design in the past few years has followed a path of steady fine-tuning, then the information currently leaking out may very well mean that Apple is preparing for the next big turn. Recently exposed sets of mold diagrams and supply chain news point to two product lines at the same time, one is the continuously evolving iPhone 18 Pro, and the other is the highly anticipated first foldable iPhone.
▲Picture source:Apple Hub (X)
Let’s start with the folding machine that attracts the most attention. According to sources from the Korean supply chain, Apple plans to introduce two key material technologies, liquid metal and improved titanium alloy, into this iPhone Fold folding iPhone. This combination is obviously designed to solve the two most difficult problems of folding devices for a long time, durability and weight control.
▲Picture source:fpt. (YouTube)
Liquid metal is seen as a key player in the hinge section at the core of the structure. This material is an amorphous alloy, and the atomic arrangement does not form a lattice structure like traditional metals, so there are no structural weaknesses caused by grain boundaries. In terms of actual characteristics, it has high strength, resistance to permanent deformation, and spring-like rebound performance. It just meets the needs of hinges that need to be opened and closed repeatedly.
▲Picture source:fpt. (YouTube)
In fact, Apple has signed an exclusive license with relevant material technology companies as early as 2010 and accumulated experience in small components such as SIM card pins. The difference is that the hinges of folding machines must withstand much higher mechanical stress than such parts, and the threshold for mass production is naturally much higher. Judging from the current rumors, after more than 15 years of technology accumulation, Apple seems to have found a solution that balances strength and mass production stability, making liquid metal no longer just a laboratory material, but truly entering the main structure.
▲Picture source:fpt. (YouTube)
In addition to the hinge, the material selection of the iPhone Fold body is also critical. Due to its dual screens and complex structure, foldable devices are inherently more likely to be overweight than ordinary mobile phones.
According to the news, Apple will use a new formula of improved titanium alloy to further reduce the weight while maintaining the existing strength. This is also seen as another important evolution for Apple in this material after the iPhone 15 Pro uses titanium.
▲Picture source:Apple Cycle (X)
In terms of actual appearance, a video from a Turkish accessories manufacturer unexpectedly sparked discussion. The mold that appears in the video is considered to be highly consistent with the proportions of the iPhone Fold.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
The iPhone Fold has a power button and camera control buttons on one side, and a microphone, speaker and USB-C port on the bottom.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
Unlike all iPhones that have volume control keys on the other side of the fuselage, this time the iPhone Fold quietly moved the volume control keys to the top of the fuselage, which is on the side above the main camera.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
In the folded state, the overall size is close to the past iPhone mini, and when fully unfolded, the visual experience is close to the size of the iPad mini. This configuration is obviously intended to strike a balance between portability and flexibility of use.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
Lens design also changed. The mold shows that the main camera adopts a dual-lens configuration, and the arrangement is changed to a horizontal arrangement instead of the vertical design of dual lenses that has been common in recent years. This not only helps with internal space configuration, but may also be used to re-adjust the module position to match the folding structure.
It is worth noting that the back still retains an obvious circular groove, suggesting that it fully supports the MagSafe ecosystem and has not been compromised by the folding design.
▲Picture source:hasanzore (Instagram)
Another point that sparked discussion was the way the mold was exposed. Apple has always strictly controlled size and structural data, and accessories factories can usually only obtain necessary information at specific points in time and through specific channels.
It is quite rare to directly disclose a suspected official mold, whether it is accidentally leaked or deliberately done. It is no wonder that the outside world has reservations about the authenticity.
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As for iPhone 18 Pro, although the focus is taken away a lot by the folding machine, from the material strategy, the two are actually highly interconnected. The improved titanium isn’t just for the folding device, but it’s the basis for the entire Pro range to grow in the coming years. This means that even if you don’t choose the foldable model, the next generation flagship will still have the opportunity to bring significant differences in weight, feel and structural strength.
▲Picture source:Volodymyr (X)
Conclusion
Based on the various clues currently leaked, it can be seen that Apple’s attitude towards the next stage of hardware design is no longer just about fine-tuning the appearance, but a comprehensive rethinking of materials, structure and product form. Whether it is the introduction of liquid metal into the hinge or the continued evolution of titanium alloy, they all point to the same goal, which is to improve durability while avoiding sacrificing comfort for daily use.
As for how many of these molds and revelations will eventually come true, it remains to be officially announced and verified. But what is certain is that the design rhythm of the iPhone is quietly moving towards the next turning point, and this time, it may not be as simple as just changing the appearance.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese