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Apple's first foldable iPhone appears closer to reality: sources claim the internal display and an assembly line are set, but two critical components — the hinge and battery — are still unresolved. Here's what the latest leaks suggest and why Apple is moving cautiously.
Display Locked In, Foxconn Readies Assembly
According to multiple leaks, Apple has finalized the iPhone Fold's main panel — reportedly a crease-resistant OLED — and Foxconn has prepared an assembly line for it. Samsung has been widely named as the display supplier, with prototype dimensions floating around at roughly a 7.74‑inch internal screen and a 5.49‑inch cover display. Those figures may change before any public release, but a finished panel is a major milestone.
Hinge and Battery: The Holdouts
The project isn't over. The hinge mechanism remains the trickiest piece. Rumors point to a liquid-metal hinge intended to reduce visible folding and improve durability, but Apple reportedly hesitates to push it into mass production. Insiders say cost has been driven down to an estimated $70–$80 per hinge, yet engineering validation continues.
Battery sourcing is another open problem. Engineers have tested cells in the 5,400–5,800mAh range to balance battery life with the constraints of a folding chassis, but Apple has not finalized a supplier. With cables, flexible connectors and moving parts packed inside, even slight deformation risks puncturing a cell — a failure mode Apple will not risk.
Why battery and hinge QA matters now
Foldables introduce new failure points that standard phones don't face. A single misaligned component or unexpected pressure while bending can damage internal parts — especially the battery. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's stress-test incident, which ended with a battery fire in a high-profile JerryRigEverything teardown, is the sort of outcome Apple wants to avoid at all costs. Expect longer testing cycles and stricter quality checks than with a typical iPhone.
What this means for launch timing
Finishing the display and setting up an assembly line are strong signals that Apple is making progress, but unresolved hinge and battery issues could delay mass production. Current leaks are plausible but not confirmed: Apple traditionally keeps final specs and supplier deals under tight wraps until factories begin high-volume production.
For now, watch for supplier confirmations and additional teardown-style tests. If Apple solves the hinge durability and battery safety challenges, the iPhone Fold could move from rumor to reality — but it may take a bit longer than fans hope.
Source: wccftech
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