Highlights
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports Apple’s hinge ASP will be $70–$80, down from earlier estimates of $100–$120.
- Foxconn and SZS lead production joint venture secures 65% of hinge orders with Amphenol handling the rest; Luxshare-ICT may join post-2027.
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone may debut alongside iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18 Pro series in fall 2026.
Caption – Concept image of iPhone Fold. (Image credit – Macrumors)
Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone could be less expensive to produce than initially expected, thanks to significant reductions in hinge component costs. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently made the claims in one blog post. Here’s the full story.
iPhone Fold’s Hinge to Cost Less Than Expected
Kuo, in one of the recent blog posts, has revealed that the hinge designed for Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will have an average selling price (ASP) of around $70 to $80 when mass production begins. This is considerably lower than the market’s earlier expectations of $100 to $120 or more.
The analyst attributed the cost drop not to cheaper materials, but to “assembly design optimisation” and Foxconn’s role in production scaling.
Caption – A representative image of a foldable device hinge. (Image credit – Ming-Chi Kuo Blog)
Foxconn has reportedly partnered with Taiwanese hinge manufacturer Shin Zu Shing (SZS) in a joint venture to handle most of Apple’s hinge production. The partnership has already secured about 65% of Apple’s hinge orders, while U.S.-based Amphenol is expected to supply the rest of the 35%. Kuo noted that Foxconn holds a slightly larger stake in this collaboration and is “steering future direction.”
This reduction in hinge pricing could be a major advantage for Apple, as foldable smartphones are typically expensive to produce due to their complex hinge mechanisms. A $20–$40 drop in hinge ASP compared to earlier estimates could help Apple improve its profit margins or adopt a more competitive pricing strategy against rivals like Samsung and Huawei.
Kuo further suggested that Luxshare-ICT, one of Apple’s rapidly expanding manufacturing partners, could join as an additional hinge supplier after 2027. Increased competition among suppliers could push hinge costs even lower in the future.
The hinge is a vital part of any foldable device, influencing both the durability and smoothness of the screen’s folding motion. Apple is reportedly testing several hinge materials including stainless steel, Liquid Metal, and lighter aluminium and titanium frames, similar to what’s used in the iPhone Air.
It remains unclear whether these savings will translate into a lower retail price or simply boost Apple’s profit margins. As of now, the first foldable iPhone is expected to debut in fall 2026, alongside the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
FAQs
Q1. How much will the hinge for Apple’s foldable iPhone cost?
Answer. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the hinge will cost around $70–$80 per unit during mass production, significantly lower than earlier estimates of $100–$120.
Q2. Who is manufacturing the hinge for Apple’s foldable iPhone?
Answer. Foxconn and Taiwanese firm Shin Zu Shing (SZS) are handling about 65% of hinge production, while Amphenol will supply the remaining 35%.
Q3. When is Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone?
Answer. The foldable iPhone is expected to debut in fall 2026, alongside the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.