Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to launch next year, with expectations that it will be Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever. A new report from Ming-Chi Kuo doesn’t dispute that, but it does say that the unit price for the hinge is “significantly lower than expected.”
In a post on his blog, Kuo explains that the unit price of the hinge for the iPhone Fold is expected to be around $70-$80 after mass production. This is far lower than the original market expectation of around $100-$120 or higher, Kuo says. He explains that this isn’t due to Apple compromising on materials, but rather major “assembly design optimization.”
According to Kuo, Foxconn has entered into a joint venture with Shin Zu Shing, a Taiwanese manufacturer, to manufacture the foldable hinge. “Foxconn holds a slightly higher stake and steers future direction,” Kuo says. The joint venture will manufacture around 65% of the hinges, while US-based manufacturer Amphenol will make the remaining 35%.
Top comment by Mearns Mumbler
I can see the attraction (for some) of a phone that can double as a tablet but, having used an iPad mini for a couple years, I reverted to the larger 11" ones. I currently have an Air - I "downgraded" from a Pro last year as the Pro doesn't do anything I need that the Air can't. The mini, whilst a bit easier to carry around, I find just too small.
If Apple wanted to attract me to a foldable iPhone I'd want it folding horizontally. Before smartphones became the rage, my preferred format was the Motorola Razr - early pocketable but big enough to use when opened. The Nokia's were nice and compact and I had a couple of them for a while; the last one, before switching to an iPhone, was the N95 (a slide open model).
I reckon Star Trek got the most practical design with their communicators.
Even my iPhone stays in a secure pocket a lot more nowadays, as my watch (Ultra 3) can take over almost all voice communication duties.
In 2027, Kuo says that Apple partner Luxshare could also join as a hinge supplier. Adding another supplier to the mix would further lower manufacturing costs for the component.
The hinge is just one component of the iPhone Fold, but a $20-$40+ reduction in cost for Apple shouldn’t be overlooked. Such savings could impact the starting price of the device, or allow Apple to avoid compromises in other areas of the product … or just improve Apple’s margins. The hinge is also one of the most important components in a foldable device, so it’s good that these savings are because of assembly optimizations rather than Apple using a lesser material.
How much do you think the iPhone Fold will cost? I’m personally betting at least $2,000 … with a more realistic number being closer $2,500. What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.
My favorite iPhone accessories:
- Anker Nano USB-C wall charger with built-in screen
- AirPods Pro 3: Check the current sale price
- Charge all your Apple gear at the same time
- Bring wireless CarPlay to any car
- USB-C cable that shows how fast you’re charging
Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments