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Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is back in the headlines — and this time the buzz is about price. A new analyst estimate suggests the first Apple foldable could arrive with a seriously premium sticker, stirring fresh debate about who will buy a device in this class.
Why the iPhone Fold might cost $2,399
Fubon Research, citing supply-chain data and Apple’s margin targets, has put the expected retail price for the iPhone Fold at about $2,399. That number reflects more than marketing — analysts point to higher material costs for a flexible, crease-free display, a sophisticated hinge mechanism and ultra-light structural components as the main drivers of the premium.
Is that much more than Samsung? Yes — and here’s why it matters
For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 starts at $1,999. A roughly $400 premium for an Apple-branded foldable would not be surprising given Apple’s history of pricing flagship innovations at the high end, but it does raise questions about mainstream adoption and who the iPhone Fold is meant to serve.
Specs and sales: what the rumor mill says
Beyond price, the leak reiterates earlier rumors about the device’s hardware. Expect a crease-free 7.58-inch flexible main display paired with a 5.8-inch cover screen, and a larger battery than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Those upgrades could justify higher manufacturing costs — and, by extension, a higher retail price.
- Display: 7.58-inch flexible main panel, crease-free design
- Cover screen: ~5.8-inch external display
- Battery: reportedly larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Materials: premium hinge and lightweight structural parts driving up cost
Fubon Research also estimates healthy early demand, forecasting about 15.4 million foldable iPhones sold overall, with roughly 5.4 million units in 2026. Those figures suggest Apple could still find a solid niche among early adopters and premium buyers even at a higher price point.
So — will buyers bite?
It comes down to perceived value. Are a crease-free large display, Apple software optimization, and a beefier battery worth the extra $400 compared with competing foldables? For Apple loyalists who prize build quality and ecosystem fit, the answer might be yes. For price-sensitive buyers, the Fold could remain a niche product.
We’ll keep tracking official announcements and supply-chain reports as more details emerge. Expect more precise pricing and launch timing as Apple moves closer to an unveiling.
Source: gsmarena
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