More bad news about foldable iPhones.

Rendered images of a foldable iPhone are based on rumors. Image: AppleInsider .

According to the Weibo account of leaker Instant Digital , the production of the foldable iPhone (tentatively called iPhone Ultra) is facing major obstacles related to the hinge.

The current hinge on the iPhone Ultra is reportedly not meeting Apple's quality standards under conditions of frequent and continuous opening and closing. Sources describe the issue as "needing a perfect solution," otherwise it will affect product progress at this stage.

According to MacRumors , the hinge is central to the development of the foldable iPhone. In March 2025, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the hinge on the device would use liquid metal, with Dongguan EonTec as the exclusive supplier.

Shortly afterward, Instant Digital explained that the material has an amorphous structure. This reduces the likelihood of bending and deformation compared to traditional metals, while also making it more durable than titanium alloys, suitable for foldable smartphones.

Previously, Apple only used this material in small components like the SIM ejector tool. If the rumors are accurate, the iPhone Ultra would be the first time liquid metal is used in a critical mechanical component.

By January of this year, further rumors confirmed plans to use liquid metal hinges. The source noted that Apple had been researching the material for 15 years, stemming from an exclusive licensing agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies.

The crease is also one of the unresolved issues with foldable smartphones. According to Instant Digital , Apple has essentially accepted that it's impossible to completely eliminate the phenomenon. However, test results show that the iPhone Ultra can maintain a visually crease-free state for an extended period.

Back in February, leaker Fixed Focus Digital reported that Apple required its manufacturing partners to maintain a crease depth of less than 0.15 mm and an angle of less than 2.5 degrees. This parameter reflects the flatness of the crease when the screen is opened; the smaller the angle, the flatter the screen at the hinge area.

According to sources, Apple once pursued the goal of eliminating the screen crease at all costs. Some technical solutions included a two-layer ultra-thin glass structure, in addition to improving the transparent adhesive layer to keep the screen layers precisely aligned.

Despite the hinge issue, Instant Digital predicts that the iPhone Ultra's launch date is unlikely to be affected.

Rendered images of a foldable iPhone are based on rumors. Photo: Jon Prosser .

Earlier in April, DigiTimes reported that iPhone Ultra production was 1-2 months behind schedule, but would still be ready for a September launch. Mass production was expected to begin in July.

Apple is likely to introduce a foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September of this year, although some rumors suggest the release date might be delayed until December.

In a subsequent post, Instant Digital shared their experience with the device. Despite the large screen size, the feel of holding the device when opened is somewhat similar to a large iPhone rather than an iPad. Additionally, the limited size has led many to question its compatibility with the Apple Pencil.

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display, a 5.5-inch external display, an A20 processor, a C2 network modem, a power button with integrated Touch ID, and two rear cameras. The rumored price is around $2,000 .