A new report issued by China reveals that Apple is moving to use a 3D-printed hinge in its upcoming iPhone Fold, with the aim of reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the foldable screen to a minimum.
Information indicates that this joint may also come with advanced materials such as liquid metal and double-layer glass, in an attempt to enhance durability and improve the user experience.
In this context, this step is not completely unprecedented, as Oppo preceded it and presented similar technology in the Find N6 phone, where it used 3D printing to achieve a smoother joint and significantly reduce the folding effect.
This technology also relies on very precise measurements of joint tolerances, then processing them with precise layers to improve the final shape and reduce thickness compared to traditional designs.
On the other hand, Apple has previous experience in using 3D printing, as it has applied it in some components of the Apple Watch, as well as parts in its phones, due to the efficiency it provides in manufacturing and the reduction in material consumption compared to traditional methods.
Accordingly, it seems that reducing screen wrinkles will be one of Apple’s top priorities in this upcoming phone.
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