Apple is expected to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone by late 2026, and its estimated price tag is as eye-popping as the product itself: $2,399. According to a forecast by Arthur Liao of Fubon Research, this price - equivalent to 63 million VND - is necessary to cover component costs and maintain Apple’s signature profit margins.

That price point would place the iPhone Fold well above the 2TB version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which currently sells for $1,999. In fact, it would be on par with the 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chip ($2,499), or even the highest-end iPad Pro M5 ($2,599).

Still, Fubon projects that Apple plans to sell around 5 million units in the first year. The device is expected to target premium customers and early adopters who crave cutting-edge innovation.

Rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated since 2015, but Apple has repeatedly delayed its release. Sources cited by UDN (via AppleInsider) suggest the hold-up was due to Apple’s insistence on eliminating any visible crease along the folding screen - a feature it now appears to have mastered.

This “crease-free design” could prove to be Apple’s biggest breakthrough, helping the iPhone Fold compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and foldables from Huawei.

While the foldable OLED panel may still be manufactured by Samsung Display, Apple is said to have independently developed the screen’s panel structure, lamination techniques, and bonding process - ensuring full control over the look and feel of the final product.

Design mockups describe the iPhone Fold as resembling two iPhone Air units connected together, with a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. The hinge is reportedly made of liquid metal, chosen for its durability and reduced deformation over time - another factor contributing to the phone’s high manufacturing costs.

As for internal hardware, the device is rumored to include an A20 or A20 Pro chip, at least 12GB of RAM, and a base storage capacity of 256GB. True to Apple tradition, several storage configurations are expected, though specifics have yet to surface.

As 2026 approaches, more rumors are likely to surface as Apple nears the launch window. While the final price remains unconfirmed, analysts believe it will fall somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500, all but ensuring that the iPhone Fold becomes the most expensive iPhone ever sold.

Du Lam