Apple's foldable iPhone could hit the market in the same price range as a 16-inch MacBook Pro notebook.
According to supply chain analysis focused on the cost of core components, as a foldable display remains one of the most expensive parts in modern computing hardware, especially when it needs to bend repeatedly without creasing or discoloration.
The hinge system adds another layer of cost because it must stay tight and reliable after years of opening and closing. Lightweight materials push the number higher.
At present, the analysis, combined with Apple's usual margin targets, places the speculated price between $2,000 and $2,500.
The forecast suggests a 2026 release, aligning with Apple's annual cycle. The timing allows for durability testing, as foldable designs require more engineering time.
Other companies entered the foldable device market earlier, but were sometimes greeted with complaints about cracked screens and fragile hinges. Apple historically avoids rushed debuts and waits until a new technology matures. The potential release would also land in a cooling smartphone market. Upgrade cycles have slowed, and consumers aren't replacing phones as quickly as they did in the 2010s.
Present forecasts for mass-market adoption project a 7 percent penetration rate with 15.4 million units being sold over the product's lifetime. It's thought that roughly 5.4 million units could be sold for 2026, with early adopters and luxury buyers carrying the first wave as usual, and Apple has experience selling premium devices to a smaller audience.
Interestingly, the supply chain forecast also points to a significant camera change in 2026, and it's thought that the iPhone 18 series will adopt a variable aperture lens, which would be supplied by a single specialized partner. A variable aperture lets the camera adjust naturally between bright and low light, improving depth control and night shots.
Apple's rumored iPhone Fold, which could enter the market at approximately $2,399, would also face competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, which typically retails for about $1,700, as well as Google's Pixel Fold, which sells for about $1,800.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.