Apple says AI and 3D printing helped build Duo foldable hinge
UKPulse News Desk
Apple has revealed that its new foldable phone, the Duo, includes a hinge designed and manufactured with AI and 3D printing. The company claims the process ensures precise alignment and durability.
- Apple's Duo is its first foldable phone.
- Chief hardware officer Johny Srouji said AI algorithms match each hinge with its best-fit housing during manufacturing.
- A confocal laser scans each unit and 3D prints up to 25 micro layers of custom photopolymer to reduce waviness.
Apple has unveiled its first foldable phone, the Duo, and says the device's hinge was designed and built with the help of AI and 3D printing.
During Apple's Surprise and Shine event on Wednesday, chief hardware officer Johny Srouji explained that AI algorithms are used during manufacturing to match each individual hinge with its best-fit housing, ensuring perfect alignment. A confocal laser progressively scans the topology of every unit, and 3D printing applies up to 25 micro layers of a custom photopolymer to eliminate residual waviness.
Srouji also said the Duo has a custom nano-texture finish to reduce glare and reflections, along with a multi-layer lamination strategy aimed at increasing durability. Whether these protections will be enough to keep the phone in good condition over time remains to be seen.
Why this matters: Apple's entry into the foldable phone market may hinge on the durability of its new design, which the company claims is enhanced by AI-driven manufacturing.
What this means for you: If you are considering the Apple Duo, the company says its AI-assisted hinge and protective layers are designed to reduce wear and glare, but long-term durability is not yet proven.