You may need deep pockets for Apple’s foldable iPhone

By Varun Mirchandani Published November 26, 2025

What’s happened? If you’ve been waiting for Apple’s first foldable, you may want to start saving now. Analyst Arthur Liao at Fubon Research has released a new estimate for what could be Apple’s first foldable iPhone: about $2,399. This is based on component and supply-chain cost analysis, taking into account the premium foldable display, hinge mechanism, and other specialised parts required for a high-end folding device.

Why this is important: This pricing estimate matters because it signals a major shift in what a “smartphone” means in 2026. If Apple launches a foldable handset at this price, it won’t simply compete with current flagships. Instead, it could begin to rival premium laptops or tablets, blurring the lines between device categories.

Why should I care? If you’ve been waiting for a foldable iPhone or planning a future phone upgrade, this estimate changes the picture in a big way. First, you’ll need to adjust expectations: this isn’t likely to be a cheap “first-gen experiment,” but a premium, high-cost device. That means if you’re budget-conscious, it may not make sense for you at launch.

On the flip side, if you’re using phones, tablets, or laptops interchangeably (for reading, media, productivity, or creative work), this foldable could replace more than one gadget, offering bigger utility for the higher price. But it may also mean a longer wait for software and accessory support, and you’ll want to be confident the foldable hardware is robust enough to justify the premium.

Okay, so what’s next? Now it’s really a waiting game. If Apple sticks to the 2026–27 window analysts keep circling, we’ll soon see more solid leaks, including things like panel suppliers, hinge designs, or early case-maker renders. Keep an eye on how Samsung and Google price their next foldables, too, as that’ll help you judge whether Apple’s rumored $2,399 tag feels outrageous or just “Apple being Apple.”