iPhone Fold is now said to be in the affordable range

India Today

7 days ago

Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone could be more affordable than many expected, according to a new report. Analysts at UBS have hinted that the company is likely to price its foldable iPhone between $1,800 and $2,000 in the US, according to MacRumors. While this still makes it the most expensive iPhone yet, it brings it closer to the pricing of rival foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which starts at $1,999.99 in the US.advertisementIf the prediction holds, the iPhone Fold could enter the market at a price similar to high-end foldables from Samsung and Vivo, instead of being placed in a completely separate ultra-premium bracket. In India, $1800 to $2000 price range roughly converts to Rs 1,54,900 to Rs 1,72,000. However, given Apple's track record, the final price in India is likely to be even higher due to import duties and taxes. For context, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, and the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to stay under the Rs 1.5 lakh mark. So, it's safe to say the foldable model could cross Rs 1.5 lakh, if not more.Interestingly, Apple seems to be preparing a competitive foldable not just in terms of price but also in terms of design. The upcoming device could feature a thickness of around 4.8mm when unfolded. This is based on a recent post on the Chinese platform Weibo by the account Instant Digital, which has a decent record when it comes to Apple leaks. Previously, the same account correctly revealed details such as the yellow colour option for the iPhone 14 series and the Titanium Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had claimed that Apple was targeting an even slimmer design, just 4.5mm when unfolded. Even if Apple ends up closer to 4.8mm, it would still be slightly thicker than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures just 4.2mm when open. Considering Samsung has had a head start in the foldable market since 2019, Apple is clearly trying to catch up with a premium and polished offering.The new iPhone Fold is tipped to go into mass production in the second half of 2026, which suggests a possible launch sometime next year. Kuo's earlier report also pointed out that Apple's foldable will come with a 7.8-inch inner display that aims to offer a crease-free viewing experience, along with a 5.5-inch outer display. In terms of cameras, the phone is expected to include two rear sensors and one front camera. Interestingly, Apple might skip Face ID for this model and instead offer a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button.In the Indian market, foldables are still priced at a premium. Vivo's X Fold 5 recently launched at Rs 1,49,999 for its 16GB + 512GB variant, while Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at Rs 1,74,999. If Apple manages to keep its pricing around or below this range, it could attract premium users looking for something new from the iPhone lineup.As of now, there is no official word from Apple about the foldable iPhone, including its name, features, or pricing. So, while the leaks and reports do give an early picture, potential buyers should take the details with a pinch of salt until confirmed by the company.- Ends