Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to hit the market with a price tag of around $2,399 for the highest-end model. This premium pricing was revealed by analyst Arthur Liao from Fubon Research, supporting earlier estimates by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Although Apple has not yet officially confirmed the foldable iPhone, ongoing leaks and market analyses suggest that the device is close to launch. The predicted price places the iPhone foldable significantly above current foldable smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Huawei’s Mate X6.
Price Comparison With Existing Foldables
For context, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, featuring 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage, retailed at about $2,019 during its Indonesian launch. The Huawei Mate X6 is available at a lower price point of roughly $850 (~Rp 30 million). Apple’s higher pricing reflects its strategy to compete at the premium edge of this emerging segment.
Arthur Liao attributes this steep price to the use of high-quality components. The foldable iPhone will reportedly incorporate top-tier display panels and hinge mechanisms. Such premium hardware aligns with Apple’s reputation for quality and user experience.
Expected Features and Design
The foldable iPhone is said to feature a horizontal book-style fold similar to devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold lineup. This design optimizes productivity by offering a large screen when unfolded and a compact form factor when folded. According to insiders, Apple’s prototype has reached the engineering validation test stage, a critical step before mass production.
Apple is also addressing challenges related to battery life. Since foldables consume more power due to dual screens, ensuring sufficient battery capacity is essential to maintain smooth everyday usage. These efforts reinforce Apple’s commitment to delivering a polished flagship device.
Production and Market Prospects
Fubon Research forecasts Apple could ship approximately 5.4 million units of its foldable iPhone in 2026. This optimistic projection implies strong confidence in market demand for a premium foldable Apple device despite its high cost. The company has reportedly made significant progress preparing parts and assembling prototypes in recent months.
Apple’s approach to entering the foldable smartphone market appears cautious but poised to emphasize refinement. By positioning the foldable iPhone at the top tier of pricing and quality, Apple is following its traditional strategy of first delivering a premium experience.
Summary of Key Details
- Price estimate: $2,399 for the highest-end foldable iPhone
- Competitors’ pricing: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (~$2,019), Huawei Mate X6 (~$850)
- Design: Horizontal book-fold similar to Galaxy Z Fold series
- Development stage: Entering engineering validation testing (EVT)
- Expected shipments in 2026: Around 5.4 million units
- Battery and durability improvements underway to accommodate form factor
These insights clarify that Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely be a high-price flagship targeting users who value quality and innovation. The device may reshape the foldable category with Apple’s signature polish, albeit at a premium cost.
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