Apple’s foldable iPhone is tipped to mix titanium and aluminium

Apple sort of took a U-turn on titanium in just a year. The iPhone 17 series ditched it for aluminium, all with the exception of the iPhone Air. But now, a new analyst report suggests a return of the material for a special hybrid metal frame for the long-awaited foldable.

Titanium could make an epic comeback

Analyst Jeff Pu claims Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected in 2026, will feature a frame constructed from both titanium and aluminium. This apparently comes straight from the supply chain, and adds another layer to the ever-evolving story of Apple‘s most anticipated gadget.

This new report directly challenges earlier information from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He previously suggested the foldable’s frame would be exclusively titanium while its complex hinge would use a combination of stainless steel and titanium.

The choice of materials is a huge deal for a device like this. A foldable phone is basically two phones hinged together, and weight is its biggest enemy. An all-titanium or steel chassis would likely result in a pocket brick.

ALSO READ: Apple presses pause on Vision Pro successor to chase smart glasses future

For context, two of Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Airs would weigh significantly more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7. A smart mix of titanium for high-stress areas and aluminium for the main body could be Apple’s ticket to creating a device that is both durable and comfortable to hold.

Beyond the frame, the device is rumoured to sport a 5.5-inch outer screen and a massive 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded. It will also reportedly ditch Face ID in favour of a returning Touch ID system.

To make it all work, iOS 27 is expected to be a major software release heavily focused on optimising the user experience for this new foldable form factor. Of course, the “iPhone Fold” has been rumoured to be just one year away since 2019, so we will have to see if it finally materialises in 2026.