Future Foldable iPhone: How Much Will It Cost You?

Apple is gearing up to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone, which is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Speculation suggests the device will echo Samsung’s Fold design, essentially merging two iPhones into one. According to Arthur Liao from Fubon Research, the smartphone might retail for $2,400. Once converted to euros and including VAT, the price could reach approximately €2,650.

Price estimates vary among analysts, but saving up will be necessary regardless. Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that this “Fold” iPhone will cost between $2,000 and $2,500, while Mark Gurman from Bloomberg anticipates a price closer to $2,000. A more optimistic forecast comes from investment firm UBS, which expects a price range of $1,800 to $2,000. After accounting for the conversion to euros and including French VAT, this would likely set the starting price in France between €2,200 and €2,700, with an entry price possibly hovering around €2,500.

For comparison, this would significantly surpass the price of an iPhone 18 Pro Max, approaching what one might call the “combined price” of an iPad Pro (€1,119) and an iPhone Pro (€1,329). It’s conceivable to see a base model being psychologically priced at €2,699, with higher storage configurations potentially breaching the €3,000 mark.

Thus, Apple’s pricing would be considerably higher than its direct competitors. In Europe, the Galaxy Z Fold retails for €2,102 for 256GB, marking a €100 increase from the previous model. Meanwhile, the Honor Magic V5 is priced at €2,000. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is listed at €1,899 for the same storage capacity. While some cheaper alternatives might be found among Chinese brands, expectations lean towards Apple setting a higher benchmark.

Apple will need to utilize high-quality materials. Fubon Research points out that the screen and hinge are the main components driving up the cost. Apple intends to include a large internal display of about 7 to 8 inches, in addition to a front screen that could exceed 5.5 inches.

Fubon predicts that Apple could sell about 5.4 million foldable iPhones by 2026. The final price set by Cupertino and any trade-offs made will be crucial, as Apple aims for an ultra-thin smartphone, potentially thinner than the iPhone Air. It might not include Face ID, and Apple plans to equip it only with dual wide and ultra-wide cameras. This iPhone Fold likely won’t feature the variable aperture lens expected to be a key selling point of the iPhone 18 Pro.

While foldables currently represent a niche market, analysts anticipate that Apple’s entry could be a game-changer. Behind the scenes, Apple is reportedly already preparing to manufacture this model. Cupertino is said to be establishing a pilot production line in Taiwan, aiming to replicate the process in India for mass production by 2026.

Rumors suggest that this groundbreaking model will be introduced next September. Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup is expected to be launched in two phases, giving Apple ample content for two keynotes. A first event in the fall would focus on high-end devices, including the 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone, followed by a second early in 2027 featuring entry-level models like the iPhone 18 and 18e.