I've been following the rumors about Apple's foldable iPhone for a while now, and the latest buzz is quite interesting. According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is considering a mix of titanium and aluminum for the device's frame. It seems like Apple is keen on expanding its use of titanium, possibly incorporating it into both the foldable iPhone (expected to be called iPhone 18 Fold) and the iPhone 18 Air models.

This isn't the first time we've heard about a mixed-metal chassis for the foldable iPhone. Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested Apple would use multiple materials. While Pu points to titanium and aluminum, Kuo believes Apple will opt for titanium and stainless steel. He also mentioned that the hinge might be crafted from stainless steel and titanium, with some components potentially using Liquidmetal for enhanced durability.

One of the most exciting rumors is that the foldable iPhone could be as thin as 4.5mm when unfolded, even thinner than the iPhone Air! If this is true, the strength of a titanium frame would be crucial to prevent bending issues.

While Kuo didn't mention aluminum, Pu's report suggests a hybrid approach, combining titanium and aluminum in the frame. Perhaps Apple plans to use titanium for high-stress areas and aluminum to reduce weight.

Why Titanium?

Titanium is known for its strength and lightweight properties, making it an ideal material for a foldable device. Remember the iPhone 15 Pro's titanium frame? It proved to be quite resistant to bending in various tests. If you think about it, small amounts of aluminum are often used in titanium alloys, and the metals can be combined in higher proportions, as well.

If the rumors are to be believed, the foldable iPhone is expected to debut as part of the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026. Imagine a device with a 5.5-inch display when closed, unfolding to a 7.8-inch screen – the possibilities are endless! It's something to look forward to in the coming years, even though 2026 is still a good way away. I wonder what kind of innovations Apple has in store for us until then.