Apple iPhone Fold with 3D-printed hinge could be released earlier
It was widely reported that the Apple iPhone Fold (or Ultra) will be released this fall along with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. However, according to recent rumors, it won’t be released immediately. While Apple would announce it at the same event as the Pro models, these would be available as usual at the end of September, while the Fold, according to one source, would be in stores a few weeks later. Another source even claims it might not be released until December.
However, Apple seems determined to fully synchronize the launch of the iPhone Fold with that of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. According to a tipster on Weibo, test production of the iPhone Fold has now begun at manufacturing partner Foxconn in China.
This means that mass production is expected to begin in July, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. That is, of course, assuming everything goes smoothly during the initial test production run.
Apple iPhone Fold with 3D-printed hinge
Furthermore, a second new report from China suggests that the upcoming Apple iPhone Fold will feature a 3D-printed hinge to minimize the crease in the display. These are the first concrete details about the 3D printing process for the iPhone Fold’s hinge. Previously, it was rumored that it would contain liquid metal and dual-layer glass.
It wouldn’t be a groundbreaking innovation, since Oppo with the Find N6 Oppo had already pursued this approach with its second-generation Titanium Flexion hinge. They achieved the “feelingless fold” by microscopically measuring the differences in hinge depth using a laser and then applying a 3D liquid polymer to compensate for the hinge and make it slimmer than the hinges of previous folding devices.
We have also seen older reports claiming that the Apple iPhone Fold in terms of minimal display crease can compete with the Oppo Find N6, which is clearly a key focus for Apple. Apple is very familiar with 3D-printed components, as the company has already used 3D-printed titanium cases for its Apple Watch series and the USB-C port of the iPhone Air. The 3D printing process is also more efficient and saves material than conventional forging techniques.
