Foldable iPhone: Will Apple scare off buyers with the price?

Apple is apparently working on its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to be released in late 2026 or 2027. Analysts predict that the device will be the most expensive iPhone ever, with a starting price of around $2,300. This would make it almost twice as expensive as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Initial information on the design, technical specifications, and production plans suggest that Apple intends to set new standards with the foldable iPhone.

Foldable smartphones are no longer a novelty. Samsung, Huawei, and other manufacturers have already launched several generations of these devices. Apple, on the other hand, has so far held back. The company is rarely the first to market with a new technology, but rather waits until it's mature before offering an optimized version. The foldable iPhone could be no different. The key question is whether Apple can deliver a truly premium product with its first foldable device that lives up to its high price.

A price that causes a stir

According to analyst Tim Long of Barclays, the foldable iPhone could launch in the US with a starting price of $2,300 to $2,500. By comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. This would make the foldable model almost twice as expensive. The high price could impact sales. Long expects that Apple will therefore only sell a limited number of devices. At the same time, however, there is also an affluent target group willing to dig deep into their pockets for a high-end device. Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also considers a price range of $2,000 to $2,500 to be realistic. However, he believes the foldable iPhone could be successful despite the high price – provided Apple offers high quality without the known weaknesses of previous foldable smartphones (via Barclays).

Technical equipment and design

According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will come with high-quality features. Initial details about the technology indicate that Apple places great emphasis on stability and user-friendliness.

7.8-inch interior display and 5.5-inch exterior display
Titanium case for a robust construction
Hinge made of a mixture of titanium and stainless steel
Two rear cameras and one front camera
Touch ID in the power button instead of Face ID
High-density battery for longer runtimes
When unfolded only 4.5 mm thin, when folded 9 to 9.5 mm

The decision to use Touch ID instead of Face ID is particularly interesting. Apple has relied on Face ID as standard since the iPhone X, but Touch ID could make a comeback in the foldable model. The reason for this is to save space. Face ID sensors require a relatively large amount of space in the casing, and with a foldable device, every millimeter counts. The hinge is considered the weak point of many foldable smartphones. Apple is using a mix of titanium and stainless steel here, which should provide additional stability. The decisive factor will be whether the display remains free of visible creases, as this is a common problem with current foldable devices. If Apple can overcome this hurdle, it could give it a decisive advantage over the competition.

Production and market opportunities

According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone is expected to enter mass production in 2026. This means a market launch by late 2026 or 2027 would be realistic. Samsung currently dominates the foldable smartphone market, but Apple has the advantage of a closed ecosystem. If the foldable iPhone works seamlessly with the iPad, MacBook, and other Apple products, this could be a strong purchasing incentive. Another argument for its success would be its longevity. Foldable smartphones are often more susceptible to wear and tear. If Apple develops a particularly durable design, this could convince many buyers.

Apple's foldable iPhone: luxury product or innovation driver?

The foldable iPhone will be one of Apple's most expensive products ever, but it could also set new standards. Whether the high price is justified depends on its implementation. If Apple delivers a device with no visible creases in the display and a durable construction, it could revolutionize the foldable smartphone market. The foldable iPhone is still just a rumor, but the evidence is mounting. There's still time until the end of 2026 to see whether Apple is truly developing the perfect foldable iPhone or if it's just an expensive experiment. (Photo by alexandrbognat / Bigstockphoto)