Apple to spend several years, half a billion dollars to help Liquidmetal technology mature
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So why aren’t we going to see Liquidmetal in the iPhone this year? In short, the technology simply isn’t ready yet. Peker explained that “This is a technology that has yet to be matured and perfected both in manufacturing process and application development. I should note that this is a completely new and different metal technology. Therefore, there is no suitable manufacturing infrastructure yet to take full advantage of this alloy technology.”
Peker also indicated that Apple would be investing large amounts of time and money into maturing the manufacturing process. He estimates that Apple will likely spend $300 million to $500 million and three to five years before they could use it as the casing for a future iPhone or a MacBook.
In the short term Dr. Peker expects to see the technology used in smaller-scale parts, like improved hinges. As the manufacturing process develops to the point where wide-scale producing of cases is possible, Peker believes Apple will save the material for some sort of break-through product that will redefine a product category.
So alas, there will be no Liquidmetal backplate on the iPhone 5. Wait around a few years though, and possibly we’ll see it in the iPhone 8. Since Apple has an exclusive license to use Liquidmetal, one thing you can be sure of is it will be a hard technology to match once they do put it into a product. Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can certainly buy you exclusivity!
source: Business Insider via Forbes
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17 Comments
10. Lucas777 posted on 03 May 2012, 16:42 3 0
its just a new type of metal... unless you are into chemistry, it basically means better products for consumers
3. jdcxxx posted on 03 May 2012, 14:07 12 1
no the research team from cal tech who invented the process to make "liquid metal" pushed innovation. apple just signed a exclusive licensing agreement with the company. liquid metal is already used in some watches, golf clubs and even the sim tray for the 4s
8. BattleBrat posted on 03 May 2012, 15:37 4 3
Actually it is a company that apple BOUGHT that is pushing innovation, but Apple is bankrolling it so I'll give this one to you
12. jdcxxx posted on 03 May 2012, 17:35 4 1
they did not buy the company. But the agreement means that apple is the only consumer electronic company that can use their liquid metal technology. Companies in different industries can still use their liquid metal tech.
11. HugeTroller (banned) posted on 03 May 2012, 17:26 1 4
look at the samsheeps thumbing down you lol..
pathetic
15. frydaexiii posted on 03 May 2012, 20:38 3 1
Nope, thumbed him down cos he thinks Apple created this tech.
Thumbed you down cos you're retarded.
4. PackMan posted on 03 May 2012, 14:07 1 0
Liquid metal is just branding and the license is exclusive to Apple only. Its just amorphous metal alloy or metal glass.
7. troybuilt posted on 03 May 2012, 15:30 1 0
LOL! My thoughts exactly. It's going to be the variant of the T-1000 advanced prototype.
6. -box- posted on 03 May 2012, 14:52 1 1
Did Acer's Liquid Metal phone use Liquid Metal, or was that just its name? I remember that being an older phone (FroYo era if I recall) but with the name. If it did, how is it something new and groundbreaking?
**EDIT** I had a chance to look at it on this website. It was only a stainless steel back cover, but it did have the name.
9. networkdood posted on 03 May 2012, 16:34 3 2
Again, not an Apple innovation - but this is cool
14. InspectorGadget80 posted on 03 May 2012, 19:05 2 0
You can only do that in the MOVIES APPLE. Remember TERMINATOR T-1000 is made from LIQUID METAL
16. Mobile-X-Pert posted on 04 May 2012, 07:33 1 0
Has anyone heard about ''Graphene''? Nokia said they are investing in this type of material for future products.
17. jackhammeR posted on 24 May 2012, 13:32 0 0
pocket friendly T-1000...self-repearing and murderous besterd
