Apple foldable 2026 launch still in sight [DIGITIMES – April 13:
**Title: Foldable iPhone Trial Production Begins; Mass Production Delayed by 1–2 Months, Still Aiming for 2026 Debut**
**Date: April 13, 2026**
The market is closely watching the supply chain timeline for Apple's first foldable iPhone. According to sources within the upstream supply chain, the new device has currently entered the trial production phase. However, because the yield rates for key components have not yet met Apple's required thresholds, the mass production schedule—originally planned for June—will be postponed by one to two months, shifting to early August. Nevertheless, the overall timeline remains on track to align with the 2026 autumn product launch event, and there have been no adjustments to the planned shipping schedule. Industry insiders point out that the foldable iPhone's hinge module utilizes a composite structure of Liquidmetal and Titanium alloy. This design strikes a balance between structural strength and durability, serving as the critical element for achieving a nearly crease-free display. Specifically, the Liquidmetal material for the main shaft is supplied exclusively by China-based Eontec, while the Taiwanese manufacturer Shin Zu Shing is responsible for the assembly and testing of the hinge modules. The most significant challenge at present lies in the overall yield rate for the hinges, which stands at only approximately 65%. This falls short of Apple's mass production requirement of over 85%. Furthermore, the durability testing—involving repeated opening and closing cycles—requires further validation, resulting in the forced postponement of the mass production schedule. Supply chain sources emphasize that there have been no changes to the design scheme or material specifications; the decision to proceed with the Liquidmetal approach remains firm. The issue lies solely in the fact that the pace of ramping up yield rates has not met expectations. Currently, Eontec has achieved a material yield rate exceeding 90%; the bottlenecks are now concentrated in the module assembly stage. It is projected that the conditions required for mass production will be met by the end of July. Regarding shipment volume, market analysts anticipate that the foldable iPhone will see shipments of approximately 6 to 7 million units in its first year. Due to limited supplies of key components, the device is expected to face shortages during its initial launch period.
**Title: Analysis of Foldable iPhone's Key Technologies: Liquidmetal Hinge Emerges as the Main Highlight**
**Date: April 13, 2026**
Apple's first foldable device has entered its final countdown phase. Reports from the supply chain indicate that the new device features significant breakthroughs in both its external structure and key materials. Notably, the hinge mechanism incorporates Liquidmetal—an amorphous alloy—marking the industry's first instance of large-scale commercial application for this material. It is understood that Liquidmetal possesses characteristics such as high strength, superior wear resistance, and excellent fluidity. These properties enable the fabrication of hinge structures with greater complexity and precision, while simultaneously allowing for effective control over device thickness; thus, it serves as the core technology underpinning the lightweight and durable design of the foldable iPhone. On the materials front, Eontec acts as the exclusive supplier of zirconium-based Liquidmetal, while Taiwanese manufacturers Newmax and Amphenol share the responsibility for module assembly. The entire supply chain has now entered the trial production and validation phase. Although the timeline for mass production has been slightly delayed due to yield-related factors, Apple remains firmly committed to the Liquidmetal approach and has not activated any alternative plans. Mass production is expected to officially commence in the third quarter of 2026, with shipments projected to reach their peak in the fourth quarter.
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