You may need deep pockets for Apple’s foldable iPhone

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.

• The $2,399 forecast is considerably higher than earlier rumours pegging the price between $1,800 and $2,100.
• Fubon’s note highlights sharply rising component costs, including display panels, lightweight materials, and specialised hinges, as major cost drivers for the device.
• According to Fubon’s forecast, global smartphone shipments are expected to decline in 2026; the foldable iPhone could become one of the few growth-spot devices.
• Supply-chain insiders and analyst coverage suggest the foldable iPhone could debut in 2026 or 2027, with Apple possibly positioning it under a premium “Ultra” or “Fold” sub-brand.

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.

• At ~$2,399, this iPhone wouldn’t just be “another phone”; it would become a high-end portable computing device, potentially displacing tablets, small laptops, or even some PCs.
• The high cost reflects the real complexities in foldable technology: advanced displays, hinges, durable materials, and tight manufacturing tolerances, meaning the premium reflects genuine engineering, not just marketing.
• For Apple’s strategy, targeting premium buyers reinforces its long-term model: fewer devices, higher margins, and positioning the foldable as a luxury product, not a mass-market.
• For the overall foldable market, if Apple sets the high-end benchmark, there’s a good chance competitors may quietly follow, reshaping the market’s economics.

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.”