Apple says it used AI and 3D printing in the manufacturing process for the hinge of its long-awaited foldable phone, bringing advanced automation and design tools into one of the most important parts of the device.
For foldable phones, the hinge is more than a mechanical detail: it is central to durability, usability, and long-term reliability. Applying AI to this process could help engineers test designs, refine components, and improve manufacturing precision faster than traditional methods alone.
Why this matters
- AI enters mainstream hardware production: Apple’s use of AI shows how the technology is moving beyond software and into physical product manufacturing.
- Better foldable devices: Smarter design and production methods could help make foldable phones more robust and practical.
- Faster innovation: AI-assisted manufacturing can shorten development cycles and support more complex engineering.
This is a promising example of AI quietly improving the products people use every day. By combining AI with 3D printing, Apple is helping demonstrate how next-generation manufacturing can make sophisticated consumer devices possible at scale.