New details continue to emerge about Apple’s foldable iPhone model, which has been on the agenda for a long time. According to the latest information from China-based sources, the company is considering using a hinge system produced with 3D printing technology in order to minimize screen wrinkles on the device called “iPhone Fold”. It is known that Apple is working intensively on the screen crease, which is one of the biggest problems of foldable phones. Therefore, this new approach stands out as a remarkable development in terms of the durability and visual integrity of the device.
Although it has been seen that different manufacturers have previously developed similar solutions in the industry, Apple is expected to reinterpret this technology with its own engineering approach. Although there is no official confirmation from the company, sharing the first concrete details about the use of 3D printed hinges indicates that the project has reached a certain maturity. In addition, previous rumors stated that the device may also include liquid metal components and double-layer glass technology. The combination of these components can provide a more balanced structure in terms of both flexibility and durability.
The goal of reducing foldable screen wrinkles comes to the fore
In the foldable phone market, especially the issue of screen wrinkles is among the main problems that manufacturers are trying to solve. The “Titanium Flexion” hinge design used by Oppo in the Find N series was one of the notable examples in this field. Oppo obtained a smoother surface with 3D liquid polymer application by analyzing microscopic differences in the hinge depth with laser measurements. Thanks to this method, the screen crease was reduced to an almost imperceptible level.
It seems that Apple is moving towards a similar goal. Previous reports suggested that the iPhone Fold could offer similar performance to Oppo’s solutions regarding screen wrinkles. However, considering Apple’s approach to hardware and software integration, it seems likely that the company will address this issue not only with hardware but also with screen optimizations.
Another reason why 3D printing technology is preferred is production efficiency. This method, which uses less material compared to traditional forging methods, offers advantages in terms of cost and resource management in the production process. In addition, allowing more complex and precise parts to be produced can make a significant difference in critical components such as hinges in foldable devices.
It is also known that Apple is no stranger to 3D printing technology. The company already uses this manufacturing method on Apple Watch models and some iPhone components. For this reason, the integration of the technology in question into the foldable iPhone model is not considered a technical surprise. However, considering the structural difficulties of foldable devices, it remains a matter of curiosity how this integration will turn out.
The fact that the foldable phone market has become more competitive in recent years makes Apple’s entry into this field even more critical. While manufacturers such as Samsung, Oppo and Huawei attract attention with different hinge and screen technologies, Apple seems to aim to offer a later but more refined solution. In addition to all these, it is considered that factors such as screen durability and fold marks, which directly affect the user experience, will be decisive in the success of the device.
In order not to miss the technology agenda, 📰 add it to Google News, 💬 join our WhatsApp channel, ▶ subscribe to YouTube, 📷 follow us on Instagram and 𝕏 X.