Skip to main content

Apple Gets Licenses to Liquidmetal Technology

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A filing with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission has revealed that Apple Inc. has acquired “substantially all” of Liquidmetal Technologies intellectual property, including rights to the company’s non-crystalline metal alloys. The technology will be held by a newly-created special purpose IP holding company, with Apple holding the exclusive rights to license the technology for commercial purposes…or, of course, use it in its own products.

Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Liquidmetal’s technology creates am “amorphous,” non-crystalline metal alloys that are not only strong and highly resistant to impact and metal fatigue, but are also lighter than comparable cast metal parts. The technology has been applied to sports equipment, medicine, defense, space projects, hinges, and even some consumer electronics—SanDisk and Nokia have used the allows in some of their products. It is unknown whether Apple plans to continue to license the technology to existing customers, or intends to keep everything for itself.

Another big unknown: what, exactly, Apple plans to do with Liquidmetal alloys. A number of possibilities suggest themselves, from stronger-and-lighter cases for Macbooks and portable devices like iPhones. LIquidmetal claims that its allows offer up to 2.5 the strength of common titanium allows and 1.5 the hardness of typical stainless steel alloys, enabling manufacturers to create thinner and lighter casings that are just as strong (or stronger) than cases made from those materials. Liquidmetal also says its alloys are corrosion-resistant and non-reactive, and can be cast into “intricate” shapes&mdsah;something Apple has already been exploring with its unibody notebook designs.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Does the Apple Vision Pro come with a battery?
Apple Vision Pro as seen from behind, with the battery pack superimposed.

Apple's Vision Pro is now available for purchase, but you might be wondering what's included at the starting price of $3,500 and if its battery is sold separately. Given that there's not a battery inside the headset itself, that's a good question.

Along with the actual headset, the base model of Vision Pro does include a battery, plus: a charger, 5-foot charging cable, front cover, top strap, light seal cushion, and polishing cloth. That means you get everything you need to start using Apple's exciting new spatial computer as soon as it arrives in the package.

Read more
Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook
Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple makes some of the most popular tech on the planet. Apple devices offer premium hardware and designs, and its software ecosystem makes work and play easier, more convenient, and often more fun. Apple devices regularly earns spots among the best smartwatches, best laptops, best wireless earbuds, and best tablets. All of these devices offer a great opportunity to save right now, as some of the best Apple deals we’ve seen are currently available to shop. We’ve rounded them all up into one place for your convenience, so if you’re in the market for a new MacBook, Apple Watch, iPad, or something else made by Apple, read onward for more information on the best Apple deals taking place right now.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $83, was $99

Insert the Apple AirTag into your bag, gadget, or any item that you may misplace, so that you can track it if you lose it. The Apple AirTag is one of the best Bluetooth trackers if you're using an iPhone or iPad because not only does it offer a one-tap setup, but it can utilize the millions of devices in Apple's Find My network to help you find your stuff if it goes beyond the Bluetooth range of 30 feet. It's powered by a replaceable battery that can last for more than a year before you need a new one.

Read more
Apple boss Tim Cook launches charm offensive in vital market
Tim Cook inside an Apple Store in Shanghai.

Apple chief Tim Cook is spending a few days in China, one of the tech company’s most important markets and a major product manufacturing hub.

His visit comes as iPhone sales in the country dropped 24% year-on-year in the first six weeks of 2024, according to data from Counterpoint Research. The slump was attributed to strong competition from local tech firms such as Huawei, although "abnormally high" sales in January 2023 were also a factor.

Read more