Foldable iPhone in 2026? Apple's game-changer may launch at $1,800 with limited stock
Apple
is finally prepared to produce a foldable phone, which is expected to be a significant event. A new report says that the tech giant might come out with its first
foldable iPhone in 2026
.
Can Apple revive interest in foldables?
With this move, Apple enters a market that is still specialized but has the potential to change as the most powerful smartphone brand in the world enters the market. The device could spark renewed interest in foldables, with supply chain partners, including Samsung and Foxconn, poised to benefit from the anticipated high-end launch.
With the supply chain reportedly nearing completion of the specifications for a book-style "iPhone Fold," which is expected to be released in the second half of 2026, Apple is poised to introduce its first foldable iPhone, as per a report by Fortune.
In an analyst note titled "Unfolding the Implications of an
iPhone
Fold Launch," UBS conducted a landscape survey.
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Even though premium materials raise the cost of the casing and hinge, UBS' teardown analysis of Samsung's Z Fold SE (BOM cost: $790) indicates that Apple's iPhone Fold could achieve a BOM cost of $759, or roughly 4% lower, thanks to cost savings on memory, application processors, and camera modules, as per a report by Fortune.
It is anticipated that Apple's anticipated 2026 entry will hasten innovation and widespread adoption even more.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost and when is it coming?
According to UBS, Apple's first foldable phone could cost as little as $1,800 when it launches in 2026.
Estimates for the first wave of production range from 10 million to 15 million units, indicating a limited initial production. The technical intricacy of foldable devices and their high cost, which analysts view as a significant barrier to widespread adoption, are both reflected in this cautious approach.
According to early reports, the iPhone Fold may cost between $2,000 and $2,400, making it Apple's priciest phone to date and establishing it as a high-end, aspirational device. With contribution margins of 53% to 58%, Apple may be able to price the device at the lower end of the projected range ($1,800–$2,000), according to UBS.
Which companies benefit from Apple's foldable phone launch?
The introduction of the iPhone Fold by Apple is anticipated to increase market share by impacting important supply chain suppliers such as Amphenol, Hirose, TDK, Avary, and SDI. The visibility of a new product ramp could improve sentiment and share prices for these companies, which are currently trading below historical valuation averages.
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Samsung Display, which can manufacture up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels a year, is anticipated to be the main supplier. As Apple expands its sources, LG Display might also be involved. The device will benefit suppliers such as Foxconn, Amphenol, and Lens Technology because it will have a liquid metal hinge and a titanium casing. The first assembly will be done by Hon Hai, with Luxshare serving as a backup partner.
Over the medium to long term, it is anticipated that Apple's foray into the foldable smartphone market will hasten the adoption of foldable devices in notebooks, tablets, and smartphones.
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By utilizing a well-established supply chain and advanced technology, the company's late-mover advantage may help control expenses and produce a more polished product, which could lead to market expansion beyond its current niche.
Nevertheless, the global market for foldable smartphones has begun to show signs of exhaustion, as growth has slowed and a decline is anticipated in 2025. Rekindling interest and promoting wider adoption may be made possible by Apple's ecosystem integration and strong brand.
FAQs
When is Apple expected to release the foldable iPhone?
Apple plans to release its first
foldable iPhone
in the second half of 2026, with limited production initially.
What is the iPhone Fold's estimated price?
Analysts believe it will cost between $1,800 and $2,000, making it Apple's most premium phone to date.
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