Apple’s first foldable iPhone may be priced under $2,000 – UBS

Foldable iPhone concept
Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with UBS estimating a starting price as low as $1,800. The company is preparing to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone, with the supply chain nearing final specifications for a book-style “iPhone Fold” slated for release in late 2026.
Nick Lichtenberg for Fortune:
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UBS’ teardown analysis of Samsung’s Z Fold SE (BOM cost: $790) suggests Apple’s iPhone Fold could achieve a BOM cost of $759—about 4% lower—thanks to cost savings on memory, application processors, and camera modules, even as premium materials drive up casing and hinge costs.
Initial production is expected to be limited, with estimates ranging from 10 million to 15 million units for the first wave. This cautious approach reflects both the technical complexity of foldable devices and the high price point, which analysts see as a major hurdle to mass adoption. Early reports suggest the iPhone Fold could be priced between $2,000 and $2,400, making it Apple’s most expensive phone to date and positioning it as a premium, aspirational product. However, UBS says Apple’s cost discipline may allow it to price the device at the lower end of the anticipated range ($1,800–$2,000), with contribution margins of 53%–58%, in line with Samsung’s foldables and well above the iPhone 16 series.
The iPhone Fold’s unique design is set to benefit several key players:
• Display Panels: Samsung Display is expected to be the primary supplier, with capacity to produce up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually. LG Display may also play a role as Apple diversifies its sources.
• Casing and Hinges: The device will likely feature a titanium casing and a liquid metal hinge, with suppliers such as Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn) positioned to benefit from higher bill-of-materials (BOM) wallet share.
• EMS Providers: Hon Hai is expected to handle initial assembly, with Luxshare as a secondary partner, reflecting Apple’s strategy of leveraging its established manufacturing ecosystem.

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MacDailyNews Take: In potentially hinge-related news, see the following:
• Liquidmetal Establishes New Manufacturing Site in Hangzhou – July 10, 2025
• Liquidmetal Hangzhou Manufacturing Plant Overview – July 10, 2025
• Liquidmetal FORM 8-K with the U.S. SEC – July 10, 2025

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