Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Price Leaks –i Phone Fold Expected to Start Higher Than Samsung Fold
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone is finally close to becoming a reality, and new leaks reveal that the upcoming iPhone Fold will be more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, marking Apple’s most premium smartphone launch yet. According to multiple industry reports, Apple is preparing to introduce the device in 2026, and the starting price is expected to exceed $2,399, making it the costliest foldable device on the global market.
This unprecedented price point signals Apple’s confidence in the product and its determination to dominate the premium foldable category immediately upon entry.
Apple’s Major Lineup Shift for 2026
In a surprising shift, Apple is expected to change its entire release cycle next year. For the first time in years, Apple may skip launching regular non-Pro iPhone models during its September event.
Instead, the 2026 Apple event will reportedly focus on three flagship models:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold
Lower-priced models, including the iPhone Air 2 and the iPhone 18e, are rumoured for spring 2027. This confirms Apple’s strategy of prioritizing premium customers first before offering more affordable options.
Leaked Price: iPhone Fold to Cost More Than Samsung Fold
Industry insiders previously estimated Apple’s foldable to launch between $2,000 and $2,500, but the latest supply chain leaks point toward a final starting price above $2,399.
This price exceeds the current:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Huawei Mate X7
Apple has historically priced its devices higher than competitors, but the iPhone Fold could set an entirely new benchmark for the foldable category.
Why the iPhone Fold Will Be So Expensive
Market analysts believe the price increase is driven by several key factors affecting the global smartphone industry. Here’s why Apple’s foldable is expected to cost significantly more:
1. Premium Crease-Free OLED Display
Apple is reportedly purchasing advanced crease-free OLED panels from Samsung, which are much more expensive than traditional foldable displays. These panels use advanced materials and layering techniques to eliminate the visible crease — a common weakness in current foldables.
2. Complex Hinge Architecture
The hinge mechanism is one of the most expensive parts of any foldable phone. Apple is said to be using:
- A lightweight hinge
- Reinforced internal moving parts
- Dust-resistant engineering
- A near-invisible gap when folded
Achieving durability without adding weight significantly increases manufacturing cost.
3. Rising Global Component Prices
According to Fubon analyst Arthur Liao:
- RAM prices have increased 75% compared to last year
- Component costs will rise 5–7% in 2026
- Demand for memory, chips, and storage is at an all-time high
These rising prices impact all manufacturers, but Apple’s premium standards amplify the effect.
4. Lightweight Internal Structure
Apple is reportedly working to keep the iPhone Fold as thin and light as possible. This requires:
- High-strength aluminum or titanium frames
- Ultra-slim batteries
- Advanced heat dissipation systems
All of these add to the overall bill of materials.
Expected Features of the iPhone Fold
Although Apple has not officially unveiled the device, industry insiders have shared strong expectations:
Likely Features Include:
- 7.6-inch foldable OLED display (crease-free)
- 6.3-inch external cover display
- Ultra-strong titanium frame
- Apple Silicon-level efficiency
- Laptop-style half-screen mode
- Face ID integrated under the display
- Reduced hinge gap
- New iOS UI designed for foldable devices
If these features materialize, the iPhone Fold will be one of the most advanced foldable devices ever produced.
Global Smartphone Market in Decline
Arthur Liao also reported that the global smartphone market is facing a decline:
- Worldwide smartphone shipments may fall 4% in 2026
- China’s smartphone sales expected to drop 3%
- Global iPhone sales forecasted to fall 4% to 234 million units
However, despite the drop, the iPhone Fold could help boost market demand, particularly in premium markets like China, the US, and East Asia.
Sales Forecast for the iPhone Fold
Fubon expects Apple to sell:
- 15.4 million iPhone Folds in total
- 5.4 million units in 2026 alone
These projections indicate strong consumer interest despite the high price tag.
Apple’s Strategy: Premium First, Budget Later
Apple often releases premium models first, then expands into the mid-range category. This model has been used before:
- Vision Pro → future cheaper Vision versions
- Apple Watch Ultra → standard Watch
- iPhone Pro → base iPhone models
Introducing the iPhone Fold as a premium-only device matches Apple’s long-term strategy of building hype, creating scarcity, and establishing a premium brand identity.
Can a $2,399 Foldable iPhone Succeed?
Experts predict yes, due to:
- Apple’s unmatched brand loyalty
- A huge base of early adopters
- The prestige of owning a first-generation Apple foldable
- A crease-free display advantage
- Superior durability expectations
Samsung has dominated the foldable market for years, but once Apple enters, the competition will intensify dramatically.
Conclusion – Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Price Leaks i Phone Fold Higher Than Samsung Fold
The price leak confirms that the iPhone Fold will be Apple’s most expensive smartphone ever, with a starting price expected above $2,399, even higher than the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold models. This marks Apple’s bold entry into the foldable market and a major shift in its product lineup.
With advanced technology, a crease-free display, and Apple’s premium engineering, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated devices of the decade. Despite the extremely high price tag, analysts expect millions in sales — proving that Apple still sets the direction for the global smartphone industry.
