iPhone Fold Tipped to Use 3D Printed Hinge for Smaller Crease

iPhone Fold Reportedly Gets 3D Printed Hinge

Apple is reportedly preparing its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Fold, with a hinge that uses 3D printed materials to help reduce the visibility of the crease. The device, which may also be called the iPhone Ultra, is rumoured to arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro models later this year, although Apple has not officially confirmed it.

The latest claim comes from a Weibo post by tipster Fixed Focus Digital, who said the 3D printed hinge could help keep the crease to a minimum. The report also says Apple may use a dual layer UTG and UFG glass design, while Samsung Display is tipped to supply up to 20 million foldable panels for the handset.

Hinge Design And Display Details

According to the rumour, the iPhone Fold could use 3D printed technology in the hinge area, a method Apple is already believed to know well. The company already uses 3D printed cases for the Apple Watch, and the iPhone Air's USB Type C port is also said to be made with the same technology.

If the leak is accurate, Apple would join other brands that have moved toward similar foldable display solutions. Oppo recently used a 3D printed polymer to fill the space beneath the crease on its Find N6, which it described as a Zero Feel crease display.

The report says the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra may also use a dual layer UTG and UFG glass setup, with the display placed between two thin glass sheets. That arrangement is said to prevent the screen from directly touching the hinge while folding and may reduce stress on the panel over time.

Apple Foldable Plans Move Toward Late 2026

Apple has been working on crease related issues for some time, according to earlier reports, with ongoing efforts to refine both the display and the hinge. Those reports pointed to durability and overall user experience as part of the work.

Separate reports also say Apple is expected to place large orders for foldable panels from Samsung Display, with the number rising to as many as 20 million. That figure is higher than earlier estimates and is being read as a sign of expected demand for the foldable iPhone.

The current timeline in the report points to a launch in late 2026. For now, the iPhone Fold remains unconfirmed by Apple, and the details are still based on rumours and leaks from the supply chain and tipsters.

• Device name: iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra
• Expected launch: later this year with iPhone 18 Pro models, per rumour
• Another timeline cited: late 2026
• Hinge: tipped to use 3D printed materials
• Display: dual layer UTG and UFG glass design
• Panel supply: up to 20 million foldable panels from Samsung Display, tipped