- Apple’s first foldable iPhone may launch by late 2026 or early 2027.
- Expected price: Over $2,000, making it the most expensive foldable yet.
- Could lack Face ID, featuring a side button for authentication.
Apple is finally preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, but it comes at a premium price. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first foldable iPhone could cost between $2,000 and $2,500—significantly higher than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google’s Pixel 9 Fold.
Despite the steep price, Apple’s foldable could offer unique refinements. The hinge is expected to be crafted from a titanium alloy, enhancing durability, and the phone’s design will reportedly be thinner than many competitors when unfolded.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: Innovation or Overpriced Gamble
Apple’s foldable iPhone is shaping up to be one of the most expensive foldables on the market, surpassing even premium options from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. While the brand’s loyal customer base may justify the high cost, it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace this new category at such a steep price point.
A major design shift is the expected removal of Face ID, likely due to space constraints. Instead, Apple may opt for a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a departure from its recent focus on facial recognition. The foldable device is also rumored to be thinner than most rivals, but that may come at the cost of battery capacity and camera advancements.
Apple’s delayed entry into foldables suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing a seamless design over rushed innovation. Unlike competitors who have iterated through multiple generations, Apple is taking time to refine its engineering—potentially eliminating issues like the visible crease found in many foldables today.
With mass production slated for late 2026, Apple fans have a long wait ahead. The real question is whether Apple can justify the hefty price tag with groundbreaking features or if it will simply be an expensive status symbol.
Apple’s foldable iPhone is a bold move, but its ultra-premium price and key design compromises could make it a tough sell. The brand’s signature polish may help, but competition is fierce.
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
