Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Cost Twice as Much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone might break all pricing records.
- Rumors point to a jaw-dropping starting price of around $2,300.
- Will Apple fans embrace this premium leap?
Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may come with an eye-watering price tag—potentially starting at $2,300, making it the most expensive iPhone in history. That’s the latest prediction from Barclays analyst Tim Long, who cited supply chain sources after a recent trip to Asia. If accurate, this would place Apple’s foldable phone at nearly double the cost of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199.
But will Apple fans be willing to shell out for a foldable iPhone, even at this premium price?
Photo via 9to5Mac // Apple's foldable iPhone has been rumored for years. Now, rumors suggest that Apple's long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market could cost a pretty penny.
A $2,300 Foldable iPhone? Here’s What We Know
In a research note to investors, Long indicated that the device is expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. His pricing estimate aligns with previous reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, another well-regarded Apple supply chain analyst. Earlier this year, Kuo suggested that Apple’s foldable iPhone would cost between $2,000 and $2,500, putting it well above competing foldable devices from Samsung and Google.
While some analysts believe Apple could still see strong demand despite the steep cost, Long acknowledged that the price point could limit sales volume.
Specs and Design
Kuo’s report also shed light on the possible specs of Apple's foldable iPhone. If accurate, the device may feature:
- 7.8-inch inner display
- 5.5-inch outer display
- Two rear cameras, one front camera
- Touch ID power button instead of Face ID
- Titanium exterior with a mixed titanium-stainless steel hinge
- Ultra-thin design (4.5mm when unfolded, 9mm-9.5mm when folded)
- High-density battery for extended usage
Another key focus for Apple could be eliminating the visible crease—a common complaint among existing foldable devices. A seamless fold would be a significant engineering feat and could help justify the premium price.
Photo via TechRadar // The design of Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone remains mostly a mystery, with the rumor mill yet to decide on the exact design and specifications of the device.
More Expensive Than a Mac Studio
To put the rumored $2,300 price tag into perspective, that’s more expensive than:
- A Mac Studio (M4 Max, 512GB SSD, 32GB RAM) – $1,999
- A top-spec iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB storage) – $1,599
- An M3 iPad Air (256GB) + iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) – ~$2,200 combined
And while Apple fans are used to paying a premium, this would push the company into entirely new territory for iPhone pricing.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
Apple’s potential pricing for a foldable iPhone far exceeds what its competitors are currently offering:
| Device | Starting Price (256GB) | Maximum Price (1TB) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | $2,259 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | $1,799 | $1,919 |
| OnePlus Open | $1,699 | N/A |
With other brands already offering cheaper and established foldable devices, Apple will need to deliver an exceptional product to justify the rumored pricing.
Photo via Neowin // New rumors and reports suggest that Apple's foldable iPhone could hit the shelves as soon as 2026. But is this just the same old rumor we've heard on repeat for years?
Can Apple Convince Consumers?
Apple has a history of arriving late to new product categories—but when it does, it tends to perfect them. Take the Apple Watch, AirPods, or even the iPhone itself. The company often waits until the technology is mature enough to meet its high standards.
That could be the case here. If Apple can produce a crease-free display, a rock-solid hinge, and an ultra-premium design, it might sway customers despite the price. But at $2,300, even die-hard Apple fans might hesitate.
One thing is certain: the pressure is on Apple to deliver something extraordinary.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 17th March, 2025.
