Apple’s first foldable smartphone may become its most expensive handset to date, according to a recent analyst report that estimates the device could launch at roughly $2,399. The upcoming model, informally referred to online as the “iPhone Fold,” has been the subject of years of speculation as Apple trails Android rivals that have long established a presence in the foldable segment.
The analysis from Fubon Research states that the foldable could cost “as expensive as two iPhone 17 Pros combined,” reflecting both Apple’s premium positioning and rising component expenses. The report notes that the expected decline in global iPhone shipments may also influence the company to introduce the device at a higher price point than competing models.
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Industry leaks suggest Apple is using costly materials such as titanium and aluminum for the hinge and display assembly, which reportedly increases the bill of materials. Rumored specifications include a 5.5-inch external display, 7.8-inch internal display, a nearly crease-free fold line, an A20 processor, and dual rear cameras without a telephoto lens.
Apple has historically taken a slower approach to integrating emerging hardware technologies. While the strategy helped the company refine late-adopted innovations in the past, the report emerges at a time when Apple has faced scrutiny for lagging behind industry leaders in artificial intelligence development.
If launched near current expectations, the foldable iPhone would surpass the Samsung Galaxy Fold7, which debuted at $1,999. Whether the software experience will be able to justify the projected pricing for consumers remains uncertain ahead of Apple’s official announcement.
Source: Investing