Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be its costliest iPhone ever launched

If timelines hold, the foldable iPhone could debut as early as September 2026, marking Apple’s formal entry into a market it has watched cautiously since rival devices first appeared in 2018.

The headline-grabbing detail, however, is the projected cost. According to an analysis from Fubon Research, the iPhone Fold could retail for as much as $2,399. That figure would place it above every major foldable currently available, including offerings from Google, Samsung, and Motorola, which typically fall somewhere between the $700 and $2,000 mark.

But not all forecasts are quite so dramatic. Analysts at UBS reportedly estimate a slightly lower price range, predicting the device could land between $1,800 and $2,000. Even at the low end of that estimate, the iPhone Fold would still sit well above Apple’s current flagship pricing. Apple, for its part, has not publicly commented on the device or its potential cost.

Price alone, though, may not tell the full story. Foldable phones have improved steadily over the years, yet no manufacturer has managed to eliminate the visible crease that forms where the screen bends. Some models hide it better than others, but the line is always there. If Apple succeeds where others have fallen short, that achievement could justify a premium in the eyes of its most loyal customers.

Behind the scenes, achieving a creaseless display appears to have required extensive collaboration. The UDN report states that Apple has been working with NewRixing and Amphenol on key bearing components, using high-strength hinge technology made from liquid metal to improve durability and reduce screen deformation. The inner display itself is reportedly supplied by Samsung Display, while Apple designed the panel structure, materials, and lamination process.

Manufacturing preparations are also underway. Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group is said to have established a dedicated production line that will initially produce several dozen units for testing ahead of full-scale manufacturing.

All of that advanced engineering comes at a cost. Fubon Research analyst Arthur Liao has said that the OLED display, complex hinge mechanism, and lightweight internal components are major contributors to the high price. He also noted that RAM prices have surged by about 75 per cent over the past year, and that overall material costs could rise by another 5 per cent to 7 per cent in 2026 due to growing demand for chips, memory, and storage.

If these projections hold true, Apple’s first foldable iPhone may not just represent a new form factor, but a new pricing tier altogether. Whether consumers are willing to pay a record-breaking sum for a crease-free foldable remains to be seen. But if Apple delivers on its promise of polish and durability, the iPhone Fold could redefine both expectations and prices in the premium smartphone market.