Apple’s long-rumoured folding iPhone Ultra may have cleared another major hurdle on its journey to launch. According to a new leak, prototype units have reportedly been sent to mobile carriers around the world for testing, while Apple has apparently settled on a liquid metal hinge design intended to improve durability.
The latest claims come from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who says that development of the device is now progressing rapidly. While the source doesn’t have the track record of analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo or journalists like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, parts of the report do line up with previous supply chain rumours.
The hinge is the most interesting part. Liquid metal – also known as metallic glass or amorphous alloy – has been linked to Apple’s foldable plans before. Kuo reported in 2025 that Apple intended to use the material in the hinge because it’s stronger and more resistant to wear than conventional alloys, while also helping keep the display flatter and minimise the appearance of a crease.
That’s notable because recent rumours suggested that the hinge had become a stumbling block during development. Last week, reports claimed Apple’s foldable project was facing manufacturing challenges, with some leaks pointing the finger at hinge reliability. Fixed Focus Digital has consistently disputed that version of events, arguing that production issues were elsewhere. If the latest claim is accurate, Apple may have largely overcome one of the biggest engineering challenges facing foldable phones.
Another positive part of the leak is the suggestion that prototype devices have already reached carriers for testing. If accurate, that would indicate the foldable iPhone has reached an important stage of development, as carrier certification is typically one of the final steps before a commercial launch. However, the claim currently comes from a single leaker and hasn’t been independently verified.
That said, it does fit with earlier reports suggesting the project is moving towards production. DigiTimes previously claimed mass production was expected to begin this summer, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple’s foldable remains on track for a possible September unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro range, although those plans are not yet final.
As for the device itself, rumours continue to point towards a book-style foldable rather than a flip-phone design. Current speculation suggests a 7.8in inner display, a 5.5in outer screen, Apple’s A20 chip, a dual-camera system, and Touch ID replacing Face ID due to space constraints inside the thinner folding chassis. Pricing is expected to start at around $2000, putting it firmly in ultra-premium territory.
As always with folding iPhone rumours, it’s worth keeping a healthy amount of scepticism handy. But if the new rumours prove accurate, Apple’s first foldable handset could finally be edging closer to reality.
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