Highlights
- The iPhone Fold is expected to cost between $1,800–$2,500, with reports suggesting Apple may lean toward the higher end due to advanced design and strict quality standards.
- Apple rejected Samsung’s display samples over visible creasing, opting for its own costly technology.
- Low manufacturing yields and high defect rates further drive up production costs.
The upcoming iPhone Fold is widely expected to be one of Apple’s most expensive products yet. Now, a newly surfaced detail adds more weight to that assumption. Here’s more on what we know based on the recent report.
iPhone Fold Price Expectations
While iPhone Fold’s high pricing was never in doubt, a recent report offers a clearer indication of why the final cost could land at the upper end of current estimates.
So far, predictions have placed the iPhone Fold’s price anywhere between $1,800 and $2,500. The latest information suggests that Apple may be leaning closer to the higher side of that range.
Previous reports have already indicated that Apple is aiming to set a new benchmark for foldable smartphones. Reviews of existing Android foldables have consistently pointed out two major drawbacks. One is the clearly visible crease in the display and the second is the hinge mechanisms that raise concerns about long-term durability.
According to reports, Apple rejected multiple display samples supplied by Samsung due to noticeable creasing. The Cupertino giant eventually had to bring in its own design team into the process. This approach strongly suggests that Apple is relying on a more advanced and more expensive display technology than most competitors. This naturally has implications for pricing.
The recent report also hints at low manufacturing yields.
As per The Information, Apple is “encountering a high level of defects” in the display during both development and trial production of the iPhone Fold. While the company reportedly anticipated these challenges, the situation underlines just how difficult and costly it is to produce a foldable display that meets Apple’s quality standards.
Apple is known for enforcing extremely strict component requirements, which often leads to higher failure rates during production. In some cases, such as with binned chips, components that fall slightly short of target specifications can still be used. Displays, however, offer no such flexibility. Any panel that fails to meet Apple’s standards must be discarded entirely, increasing the average cost of each usable unit.
Foldable Devices Are Expensive
Foldable smartphones are expensive by nature if we look at the current Android pricing. Even flip-style foldables, which are the more affordable category, are priced on par with premium iPhones like the iPhone 17 Pro. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is priced at $1,100, while the Motorola Razr Ultra costs $1,300.
The iPhone Fold, on the other hand, is expected to adopt a book-style folding design, which typically commands significantly higher prices. Comparable devices include the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold at $1,500 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 at $2,000.
Given this landscape, Apple’s foldable iPhone is unlikely to undercut its rivals and may end up costing even more. While these figures reflect list prices and discounts are often available, new iPhones rarely see major price cuts outside of long-term carrier plans that eventually recoup the difference. As a result, list pricing remains a reliable indicator of what consumers can expect to pay for the iPhone Fold.
FAQs
Q1. How much is the iPhone Fold expected to cost?
A1. Predictions place the iPhone Fold’s price between $1,800 and $2,500, with reports suggesting Apple may lean toward the higher end due to advanced display technology and strict quality standards.
Q2. Why is the iPhone Fold expected to be so expensive?
Answer. Apple rejected Samsung’s display samples over visible creasing and is using its own more advanced, costly display design. Additionally, low manufacturing yields and high defect rates increase production costs, making the device more expensive.
Q3. How does the iPhone Fold compare to other foldable smartphones?
Answer. Competing book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($2,000) and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold ($1,500) are already priced high. Apple’s iPhone Fold is unlikely to undercut rivals and may set a new premium benchmark in the foldable category.